I asked some players at my club what phrase best summed up the spirit of Christmas.
Rose chose "Peace on Earth." Unlucky Louie opted for "Good will toward men." And Cy the Cynic stayed true to his character by suggesting "Batteries not included."
Something was missing from Cy's line of play at today's 3NT. Cy won the first spade with dummy's jack and let the jack of clubs ride; he couldn't risk losing a club to East. West produced the queen and led the ace and a low spade.
The Cynic had seven tricks: two spades, two hearts, three clubs. When he led a diamond, West took the ace -- and two more spades. Down one.
Cy would make 3NT if his thought process included counting his tricks. Cy can never succeed if East has the ace of diamonds, hence Cy should start the diamonds at Trick Two. If West takes the ace and returns a diamond, Cy finesses in clubs through East to assure the contract. If instead West sets up his spades, Cy finesses in clubs through West.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A Q 8 7 2 H 8 5 D A 9 8 C Q 7 4. Your partner opens one heart, you bid one spade, he rebids two hearts and you try 2NT. Partner next bids three clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner's auction suggests a minimum hand with six hearts and four clubs. Your 2NT was a little conservative -- but reasonable if your partner often opens light hands. Since all of your honors now look useful, jump to four hearts. Partner may hold 6 5, A K J 7 3 2, 4, K J 9 3."
Bridge Column by Frank Stewart
published Tuesday, December 23, 2008