Bridge: Oct. 18, 2022

“I don’t what to say about my partner’s game,” a club player told me in confidence. “He has a spark of brilliance but ignition trouble. He makes good plays but also grievous errors, mostly at the first trick.”

My friend’s partner played at today’s 3NT, and West, with no sign of an entry, tried to hit East’s long suit by leading a club.

“My partner put up dummy’s queen,” I heard, “but East

diagnosed the lead and played low. My partner led a second club to his jack and next led the A-J of diamonds. East took his king, and declarer took only eight tricks: two spades, two hearts, three clubs and a diamond.”

SAME FAILING

Many players have the same failing as South: hasty play to Trick One. South should play a low club from dummy and, no matter what East does, win with the ace.

South then leads the A-J of diamonds, overtaking with the queen. If East wins and leads a spade, South wins and leads his jack of clubs to dummy’s queen. He is sure to reach dummy for the good diamonds.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 10 4 H K 7 D K 8 7 6 C K 7 4 3. Your partner opens 2NT. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Slam is possible. If partner’s 2NT opening promises 21 or 22 points, raise to 4NT, inviting slam, or bid 6NT if feeling lucky. If your 2NT range is 20 or 21 points, raise to 4NT or settle for a sure game. It’s possible that your best contract is six of a minor; practiced partnerships might have methods to locate a minor-suit fit.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S 6 3

H 10 2

D Q 10 9 5 3

C Q 10 5 2

WEST

S J 9 7 5

H J 9 8 4 3

D 4 2

C 8 6

EAST

S Q 10 4

H K 7

D K 8 7 6

C K 7 4 3

SOUTH

S A K 8 2

H A Q 6 5

D A J

C A J 9

South West North East
2 C Pass 2 D Pass
2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — C 8(!)

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