Bridge: April 6, 2024

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

“How many grammar cops does it take to change a light bulb? Too.” — graffiti

Counting the defenders’ distribution is a necessary skill for declarer, but he must be able to count as high as 13. In today’s deal, South’s jump to four hearts was bold; he had five possible losers — a spade, a heart, two diamonds and a club — and no reason to think North could cover two of them.

West led the K-A and a third diamond, and South ruffed. He took the A-K of clubs and ruffed his last club in dummy. South next led a trump to his nine, but West won, and the defense got a spade later. Down one.

THREE CLUBS

Had South counted to 13, he wouldn’t have finessed in trumps. West had bid spades and diamonds and had followed to three clubs. He could have at most one heart, so South couldn’t pick up the king even if East had it.

South must lead a trump to his ace. A singleton king with West is his only hope.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q J 9 7 3 H K D A K J 10 C 7 6 2. You open one spade, your partner responds 1NT, you bid two diamonds and he tries two hearts. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner’s two hearts suggests a string of hearts — a six-card or longer suit — but his 1NT response limited his hand to 10 points. You must pass. Your prospects for game are nil, and partner’s hand may supply some tricks only if hearts are trumps.

West dealer

Both sides vulnerable

NORTH

S 8 6 5 2

H 8 4

D 7 6 5 3 2

C 10 8

WEST

S Q J 9 7 3

H K

D A K J 10

C 7 6 2

EAST

S K 10

H 7 6 3 2

D 9 4

C Q J 9 4 3

SOUTH

S A 4

H A Q J 10 9 5

D Q 8

C A K 5

West North East South
1 S Pass 1 NT Dbl
2 D Pass 2 S 4 H
All Pass
Opening lead — D K

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