Bridge: Dec. 28, 2023

“I hear you’re starting a new diet and exercise plan in 2024,” I said to Cy the Cynic. He constantly battles his weight.

“I’m trying a gym called ‘Resolutions,'” Cy replied. “You go for two weeks, and then the place turns into a bar.”

Cy should resolve not to play the card nearest his thumb. He often plunges ahead without thinking. When Cy played at today’s 3NT, West led the five of spades: eight, ace, three. East returned a spade, the Cynic played low, and West won and led a third spade.

THIRD DIAMOND

Cy next led a heart to dummy and returned a diamond to his queen. The finesse won, but when he led the ace and a third diamond, East took the ten and king. Cy ended with three hearts, two diamonds, two clubs and a spade.

Cy succumbed to impulsivity, as usual. Since West is a favorite to hold the queen of spades, Cy must ditch his king under East’s ace at Trick One. Cy gets a second dummy entry and can finesse twice in diamonds. He scores a third diamond and nine tricks in all.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 7 6 5 2 H 10 3 D 9 4 C Q 10 3 2. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player bids three hearts. After two passes, partner doubles again. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner’s double is still for takeout, but now he promises substantial extra strength. He is willing for you to play at three spades no matter what you hold, and you actually have a five-card suit and two useful queens. Bid four spades.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S J 10 8

H A 7 4

D 7 3 2

C 9 7 6 5

WEST

S Q 7 6 5 2

H 10 3

D 9 4

C Q 10 3 2

EAST

S A 4

H J 9 8 5 2

D K 10 8 6

C J 8

SOUTH

S K 9 3

H K Q 6

D A Q J 5

C A K 4

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

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