DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

Many good books appeared in 2022 including John Carruthers’ wonderful “Bridge with Another Perfect Partner” and Adam Parrish’s excellent “Parrish the Thought.” To polish your notrump play, try “Improve Your Card Play Step by Step” by Robert Berthe and Norbert Lebely.

At 3NT, South counts nine tricks: two spades, four diamonds and three hearts after losing to the ace. But he must be careful: If he wins the first spade in dummy and starts the hearts, West will duck twice, win the third heart and lead another spade. The diamonds are blocked, and South can’t get all his tricks. GOOD HEART South must win the first spade with the ace, take the A-K-J of diamonds and lead a heart to his ten. If West ducks, South cashes the queen of diamonds and continues hearts. He reaches dummy with the king of spades for the good heart.

“Step by Step,” full of examples and quizzes. Baron Barclay has all books in print plus software and stocking stuffers for your favorite player. See baronbarclay.com.

DAILY QUESTION Youhold:SA93HQ102 DQ542C1064.Yourpartner opens one heart, you raise to two hearts and he then bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner’s three diamonds is a try for game and asks you to pay attention to your holding in his second suit: With a “double fit” you may make game with fewer than the usual 26 points. You have a sound raise with two trump honors, a diamond honor and a side ace. Bid four hearts.