Today’s milestone is nine thousand

This column is my 9,000th! My first byline appeared on April 1, 1991. When I told my editor, he asked if I was prepared to write another 9,000. I replied that I would be happy to do so, except that it would require my living until almost 99 years of age.

It is possible that my wife and I set a new world record on October 25. We played bridge against two Bridge Base Online robots, mostly at 41,000 feet, though to try to avoid some turbulence, briefly we went up to 43,000. Here is one of those deals.

Sitting South, I wondered about opening four hearts, but decided that could cost us a slam. After it went one heart, pass, pass, I felt uncomfortable. But when East didn’t pass (he might have, being so short in the majors), I leapt to four hearts.

Since the robots do not like leading from any suit headed by an unsupported king, West chose a trump. What did I do?

If West had the club ace, I needed two spade tricks; but if East had that card, I would require three spade winners. What is the recommended way to play that suit?

I drew trumps and led a club to the king. East won, cashed the diamond ace and played another diamond, which I ruffed.

In isolation, the best play in spades is low to the 10. If that loses to the jack, then play low to the nine next. Luckily, I did not have the entries for that. I cashed the spade ace and led another spade. Now West made a really bad play, winning with the king. When East followed with the jack, I could claim.

Maybe the thin air had affected

West’s CPU..