Bridge: March 25, 2023

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

New players often attribute magical powers to experts. I have had beginners ask me whether I can tell what everybody has right after the cards are dealt. An experienced declarer can visualize the defenders’ hands, based on the bidding and play; nothing about it is magic.

Today’s South reaches four hearts after West has tossed in a passed-hand overcall of two diamonds. West cashes the K-Q of diamonds, then leads the ace. South ruffs, draws trumps and takes the top spades. How should declarer proceed to attack the clubs?

NINE POINTS

Declarer cashes the ace and leads the four. West plays the three and ten. South knows that West, who didn’t open the bidding, has shown nine points in diamonds, so he won’t hold the king of clubs. South plays low from dummy and makes his game when East must play the king.

“Card reading” is within the grasp of any player. Most of the inferences an expert draws are simple.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 9 H K Q J 10 2 D 9 4 C A 7 5 4. Your partner opens one spade, you bid two hearts, he rebids two spades and you try three clubs. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner has something in diamonds; he could have bid 3NT but must have doubts about notrump. Bid three spades. Your spades could be no better when you didn’t raise earlier. If he has AK10654,76,A82,Q3, he’ll be happy to hear about your support.

West dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S A K 7

H A 9 5

D J 3 2

C Q 8 6 2

WEST

S 10 8 2

H 7 3

D A K Q 8 6

C J 10 3

EAST

S J 6 5 4 3

H 8 6 4

D 10 7 5

C K 9

SOUTH

S Q 9

H K Q J 10 2

D 9 4

C A 7 5 4

West North East South
Pass 1 C Pass 1 H
2 D Pass Pass 3 C
Pass 3 H Pass 4 H
All Pass
Opening lead — D K

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