Bridge: Jan. 6, 2024

“If you never hit a bad shot … you’ll be the first person who didn’t.” — a noted golf instructor.

We all make errors. Many are avoidable — just lapses born of a loss of focus. When West led a heart against today’s slam, South discarded a diamond on the ace, thereby (he thought) avoiding a guess for the queen. He drew trumps and took the A-K of clubs, expecting a normal 3-2 break.

When West discarded, South tried for a 12th trick by leading a diamond to his jack(!). But West won, and East got a club trick.

LAST DIAMOND

South could have succeeded after he took the top clubs. He could take the A-K of diamonds, ruff a diamond, lead a trump to dummy and pitch a club — a loser on a loser — on the last diamond. When West won, he would have to concede a ruff-sluff.

But South’s big mistake came earlier: He had a blind spot at Trick One. South should discard a club on the ace of hearts. He is sure of three diamond tricks — 12 in all — even if he loses a trick to the queen.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 10 9 8 H A D K 6 5 2 C A K 7 5. The dealer, at your right, opens three hearts. You double, and your partner responds (“advances”) three spades. What do you say?

ANSWER: Take care. Partner has done only what you asked of him. Your double obliged him to bid (though he could pass for penalty with heart length and strength). He promises neither any points nor good spades, and you have little more than your double suggested. Pass.

East dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S Q 10 9 8

H A

D K 6 5 2

C A K 7 5

WEST

S 3 2

H 10 7 6 4 3

D Q 9 8 7 3

C 6

EAST

S 5

H K Q J 9 8 5 2

D 4

C Q J 10 9

SOUTH

S A K J 7 6 4

H None

D A J 10

C 8 4 3 2

East South West North
4 H 4 S Pass 5 H
Pass 5 S Pass 6 S
All Pass
Opening lead — H 4

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