Bridge: Aug. 29, 2024

An optimist is someone who believes that what will be, will be … postponed. As declarer, you have eight or so minutes to succeed or fail; you can’t put off the play indefinitely.

It seems today’s declarer was an optimist. He won the first spade in dummy and promptly led a club to his king. When West showed out on the next club, South won only one club trick and only eight tricks in all.

South would have made an overtrick with luck. But since he needs only two clubs to make 3NT, he should play safe in case of a 4-1 break.

SECOND CLUB

South wins the first spade in his hand and leads a club to dummy’s queen. If the queen held, South would lead a second club to his king, winning two clubs however the suit lay.

When instead East takes the ace and returns a spade, South wins in dummy and leads a second club. If East followed with the seven, South would assure success by playing the eight. If East discarded, South would play the king and later lead toward dummy’s ten.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 5 2 H A 7 4 D A 5 2 C Q 10 3 2. The dealer, at your left, opens one spade. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner has opening values or more, probably with support for all the unbid suits. With 12 points you must commit to game. Bid 3NT. Your spade stopper is tenuous, but since the opening bidder will hold most of the missing high cards, perhaps including the A-K of spades, the play will be easier.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S Q 5 2

H A 7 4

D A 5 2

C Q 10 3 2

WEST

S 10 9 8 6

H J 9 8 5

D J 9 7 6

C 6

EAST

S 7 4 3

H Q 10 3

D Q 10 8

C A J 9 7

SOUTH

S A K J

H K 6 2

D K 4 3

C K 8 5 4

South West North East
1 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 10

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