Inconceivable defense
Studies show that December is the most frequent month for conception. Since this is January, I suppose today’s West can be excused for not conceiving of the winning defense.
Against four hearts, West led the king of spades: deuce, three, four. He shifted to the ace and a low trump to stop ruffs in dummy, but South won, took the ace of diamonds, ruffed a diamond and led a club to his king. He drew trumps, ran the clubs to discard his last diamond, and lost a spade at the end. Making four.
SINGLETON
West needed a better defensive concept. When East plays the three on the first spade, West knows it’s a singleton; with 9-3, East would signal count by playing the nine. So at Trick Two, West should lead his singleton club.
South wins but must lead a trump eventually. Then West grabs his ace and leads the five of spades (suit preference: a low spade asking East to return a club, the low-ranking side suit).
If East ruffs and duly leads a club, West ruffs for down one.
DAILY QUESTION You hold: ♠ AK J 7 5 ♥ A7 ♦ K 10 6 4 2 ♣ 6. You open one spade, your partner bids two clubs, you bid two diamonds and he raises
to three diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: In “Standard” methods, partner shows about 11 points with four-card diamond support. If he has 6 4, 5 4, A Q 9 8, A J 8 3 2, six diamonds will be a decent spot. Bid three hearts. Partner will treat that bid as a probe for the best game, but your later bidding will clarify your intentions. West dealer N-S vulnerable