Kridge >> Ky yrank Stewart
“Your honor,” the district attorney intoned, “we will prove that South committed a felony in that he went down at a cold game.”
“State your case,” the judge instructed, and the court kibitzed the evidence.
“Against four spades,” the DA said, “West cashed the A-K of hearts and shifted to a trump. South drew trumps and led a diamond from dummy to finesse with his queen. West took the king, and East got a diamond for down one.”
UNLUCKY
“My client couldn’t know West had only two diamonds,” South’s counsel roared. “If you want to prosecute someone, go after East-West for not bidding five hearts. They would be unlucky to go down.”
Was South guilty of a misplay? At Trick Five, South can lead dummy’s king of clubs as a “discovery” play. If East covers with the ace — only a super-expert East would not — South can place West with the king of diamonds for his bidding. South ruffs the ace of clubs and leads the ace and a low diamond, hoping West has K-x.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: ♠ 2 ♥ AKJ105 ♦ K9 ♣ Q 10 9 4 2. Your partner opens one club, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: Even if partner has only A J 6 5, 7 6, A 6, K J 8 7 3, you can make six clubs. (You might have jump-shifted to two hearts at your first turn, planning to support the clubs next to show slam interest.) Jump to three clubs if that bid would be forcing in your partnership. If not, bid two diamonds, a stalling “fourthsuit” call.
West dealer
Both sides vulnerable