DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

Cy the Cynic says that anyone can make a mistake, but it takes real dedication to make a ton of them.

South took the ace of hearts and led a trump to dummy’s ace. East-West followed, so South cashed the ace of clubs, drew trumps and led a second club from dummy. When East discarded, South groaned, took the king and tried for a 12th trick by finessing with the queen of diamonds.

East produced the king, and South also lost a club.

What errors did South make?

First, South’s handling of the trump suit was wrong. He must start by leading the king in case West has J-10-7-4.

After South draws trumps, he can assure the slam. He leads a diamond to the ace, ruffs the queen of diamonds, takes two more hearts and the ace of clubs, and leads a low club.

If clubs broke 3-2, South would always be safe. When they break 4-1, he succeeds because the defender who wins is end-played — forced to lead a third club from the queen or yield a ruff-sluff.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ K9653 ♥ AKQ

◆ J ♣ A K J 4. You open one spade, your partner responds 1NT, you jump to three clubs and he returns to three spades. What do you say?

ANSWER: This position is awkward. You couldn’t pass even if you wanted to, but to bid four spades is unappealing because partner may have taken a preference with a low doubleton. Bid 3NT. At least your singleton diamond is an honor.