Bridge: Feb. 22, 2024

“My age doesn’t really bother me so much,” one of my club’s senior players told me. “It’s the side-effects that are giving me trouble.”

My friend was today’s East, defending against 3NT. West led the seven of hearts, and the king won. Declarer then led dummy’s queen of clubs.

“I was surprised when my king won,” East said. “I returned a heart, and declarer won in dummy and led another club. My partner took the ace and led a third heart — and South claimed with three hearts, three diamonds and three clubs.”

CONCENTRATION

“I might have found the winning defense 20 years ago,” my friend sighed. “I just don’t concentrate like I once did.”

I can sympathize. As players pass their three score and ten, their technique may be as strong as ever, but their focus may decline a bit. When East is in with the king of clubs, he must shift to a low spade. South wins cheaply, but when West takes the ace of clubs, he leads his last spade, and East defeats the game with three spade tricks.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 10 9 6 4 H A J 10 D A Q 9 C 6 4 3. Your side is vulnerable. The dealer, at your left, opens three diamonds. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: You could beat three diamonds doubled, and to pass for penalty might be the winning action. Still, partner has a hand worth at least 17 points, and you should have a vulnerable game. Bid 3NT. You might make four spades, but bad breaks might sink that contract.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S K 8 3

H K Q

D K 7 6

C Q J 10 9 5

WEST

S 7 2

H 9 7 6 4

D J 5 4

C A 8 7 2

EAST

S A Q J 5

H 8 5 3 2

D 10 8 3 2

C K

SOUTH

S 10 9 6 4

H A J 10

D A Q 9

C 6 4 3

South West North East
Pass Pass 1 C Pass
2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — H 7

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.