New-comic tryout: “Rhymes with Orange,”

Some people have such an optimistic outlook that they think escalators never break down; they just turn into stairs. Optimism has its place at bridge; so does pessimism. by Hilary Price

Today’s North-South got to a good slam. North’s cue bid of four diamonds implied heart support and showed a diamond control. South’s four spades showed a control there.

WhenWest led the king of spades, South took the ace and saw 12 more tricks: six hearts and six clubs. He drew trumps and cashed the A-K of clubs— and was annoyed whenWest discarded. Instead of taking 13 tricks, South took 11.

South was an optimist when he needed to be a pessimist. Clubs will break 5-1 only 14 percent of the time, but at a slam South must allow for a bad break. After he takes the ace of spades, he must cash only the K-Q of trumps, then take the ace of clubs and next lead a low club from dummy and ruff it high.

WhenWest shows out, South can draw the last trump in dummy and run the clubs for 12 tricks.

You hold: KQ5 5 3 2 ( A Q J 10 9 7 $ 10. Your partner opens one club, you bid one diamond and he rebids two clubs. What do you say?

You have enough values to commit to game— or at least to invite game strongly. A jump to three diamonds, which most players would treat as invita- tional, would be a slight underbid. Bid two spades, forcing. If your partner next bids 2NT, bid 3NT. If he rebids three clubs, try three diamonds.

by Dana Summers The Denver Post is offering trial runs of new comics. Through Dec. 13, check out “Rhymes with Orange,” which offers a witty take on the universal truths about everyday subjects, like relationships, work, pets and holidays. Share your opinions at comicsfeedback@denverpost.com