Bridge: Feb. 21, 2024

When I lecture, I often talk about “how to see declarer’s hand.” Defense would indeed be easier if you know what declarer held, but strategically placing a mirror on the wall behind him would get you tossed out of the game. You can “see” declarer’s hand — with your mind’s eye — by drawing inferences.

Against today’s 3NT, West led the ten of diamonds: jack, ace, three. Before returning partner’s lead, East tried to visualize South’s hand.

BALANCED

South’s invitational jump to 2NT suggested extra strength, but with 18 or 19 points, he would have insisted on game. East placed South with 16 or 17 points — but then he would have opened 1NT with balanced pattern.

South had bid clubs and hearts, so East assumed his pattern was a semibalanced 2-4-2-5. At Trick Two, East led the ace of spades.

South won the next spade but had only eight tricks. When he led the jack of hearts, West grabbed his ace to lead his last spade, and East took two more spades for down one.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S A J 9 2 H 10 8 3 D A 5 C 7 6 4 3. Your partner opens one diamond, the next player bids one heart and you double (negative). Your LHO raises to two hearts, and two passes follow. What do you say?

ANSWER: Don’t sell out at the two level with this nine-point hand and no “wasted” heart honors. Bid two spades. Partner will know you have only four. To double again would be acceptable if he would treat it as “action,” not penalty.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S 10 8 6 4

H 6 5 2

D K Q J 2

C K J

WEST

S 7 5 3

H A 9 7

D 10 9 8 7 4

C 9 2

EAST

S A J 9 2

H 10 8 3

D A 5

C 7 6 4 3

SOUTH

S K Q

H K Q J 4

D 6 3

C A Q 10 8 5

South West North East
1 C Pass 1 D Pass
1 H Pass 1 S Pass
2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — D 10

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