Bridge: Nov. 18, 2023

Simple Saturday columns focus on basic technique and logical thinking.

Some players view partners as a necessary evil and aren’t mindful of their partner’s problems. Their approach seems to be, “Let partner guess. That’s what partners are for.” That is a poor basis for an effective partnership.

In today’s deal, West led a low club against 3NT. (South’s jump to 3NT would typically be based on long, strong diamonds and no interest in a heart contract.) East took the king and returned the deuce: ten, jack.

FOURTH CLUB

Mentally patting himself on the back for finding a good lead, West cashed the ace, dropping declarer’s queen, and led a fourth club. Unfortunately, after East won with the eight, he led a spade … and South claimed the rest, scoring game.

West was numb to the fact that his partner might have a problem when he won the fourth club. West would lose nothing by taking the ace of hearts before leading the fourth club. East, I suspect, would be most grateful.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K J 4 3 H K J 10 2 D J 10 5 C 9 6. The dealer, at your left, opens three clubs. Your partner doubles. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner’s double is for takeout; his hand is worth at least 17 points, usually with support for any suit you bid. Since you have nine good points, commit to game. Cue-bid four clubs and let partner choose the trump suit. He may have better support for one major than the other.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S K J 4 3

H K J 10 2

D J 10 5

C 9 6

WEST

S 7 5 2

H A 8 5

D 7 6 3

C A J 4 3

EAST

S 10 9 8

H 9 7 6 4 3

D 8

C K 8 7 2

SOUTH

S A Q 6

H Q

D A K Q 9 4 2

C Q 10 5

South West North East
1 D Pass 1 H Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — C 3

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