Spectacular play

“I’m done with trying to beat her,” Cy the Cynic told me. “It’s less nerve-wracking — and more costeffective — to back her in the penny game.”

Minnie Bottoms, my club’s senior member, wears old bifocals that make her mix up kings and jacks, often to her opponents’ dismay. Cy has been Minnie’s chief victim.

“She beat this 3NT,” Cy said, displaying today’s deal. “Minnie was East, and West led the seven of spades. Dummy played low, and Minnie won with the ACE and returned the jack.”

SECOND TRICK

“West overtook with the queen. South took dummy’s king and called for the queen of clubs — and Minnie said she had won the second trick!”

“She thought she had the A-K,” I laughed.

“They straightened her out,” the Cynic went on, “and when West took the ace of clubs, he ran the spades for down one.

“West praised Minnie’s play,” Cy said. “South is safe if she wins the first spade with the jack. Minnie said she knew enough to win the first spade with the ace when she had the A-K doubleton.”

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: Q 10 8 7 2 9 8 4 9 7 4 A 3. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player jumps to three hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your opponent’s jump-raise is weak and preemptive; he wants to get in your way. Your partner suggests opening values or more with support for the unbid suits, especially the other major. Since you have half of the high-card strength and a good trump fit, bid three spades.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable