Bridge: Nov. 4, 2023

“Simple Saturday” columns focus on basic technique and logical thinking.

South’s jump to 2NT was forcing and showed a balanced 12 to 15 points. (Some pairs use a 2NT response to a minor-suit opening bid as invitational, a treatment I dislike because subsequent development of the auction may be murky.)

Against 3NT, West led a low spade: ten, king, ace. Declarer then led a diamond. East won and returned his last spade, and the defenders forced out South’s queen. South then took his heart and club tricks, but West won the last four tricks with the king of diamonds and good spades.

NINTH TRICK

South was at risk since he had to lose the lead twice to set up a ninth trick in diamonds. In case the missing spades are divided 6-2, South must execute a “hold-up” play — even with a double stopper.

South ducks the first trick and wins East’s spade return. When he loses a diamond to East’s ace, East must shift, and South has time to force out West’s high diamond and make an overtrick.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 8 H J 8 5 4 2 D A C 9 7 6 4 3. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: When your hand is a minimum or below minimum, you should limit your strength quickly to stop the auction from getting too high. Bid 1NT, suggesting six to nine points. A bid of two clubs — a new suit — would be forcing and unlimited, and might induce your partner to go overboard.

North dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S 10 6

H A Q 9

D Q J 10 9 7

C A J 10

WEST

S J 9 7 5 3 2

H 7 3

D K 8 5

C 5 2

EAST

S K 8

H J 8 5 4 2

D A

C 9 7 6 4 3

SOUTH

S A Q 4

H K 10 6

D 6 4 3 2

C K Q 8

North East South West
1 D Pass 2 NT Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 5

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