Bridge: May 27, 2023

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

I’ve heard it said that the best thing about rules is knowing when you can enjoy breaking them. To be sure, many defensive “rules” that players learn have exceptional cases.

In today’s deal, West leads the nine of spades against four hearts, and declarer plays the queen from dummy. Suppose East “covers an honor with an honor,” as the rule enjoins. South takes the ace and cashes the A-K of trumps. When West discards, South tries the A-K of clubs and a club ruff.

GOOD CLUB

When the suit breaks 3-3, South goes to dummy with the jack of spades and throws his last spade on a good club as East ruffs. West gets two diamond tricks, but South makes his game.

East defeats the contract if he ignores a rule. If he plays low on the first spade, he deprives South of a late entry to dummy, and the defenders get four tricks in all.

Beware of “rules.” They are better regarded as tendencies.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S A 3 2 H A K 8 7 6 4 D K 4 C A 4. The dealer, at your right, opens one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your hand is too strong to overcall two hearts. You have 18 good high-card points, and your king of diamonds, located behind the opening bidder, may be worth as much as an ace. Double for takeout. If your partner responds with two of a minor, you will bid two hearts. You will suggest a strong hand but can stay low if partner has nothing.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S Q J 4

H J 3 2

D J 6

C K 9 6 5 3

WEST

S 9 8 7 6

H 5

D A Q 10 8 7

C 8 7 2

EAST

S K 10 5

H Q 10 9

D 9 5 3 2

C Q J 10

SOUTH

S A 3 2

H A K 8 7 6 4

D K 4

C A 4

South West North East
1 H Pass 2 H Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S 9

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