Bridge - March 8

Human nature is such that it's easier to react than to think. A mature player thinks first.

Today's West led the queen of hearts against four spades, and South reacted to dummy's K-J by covering with the king. East won and shifted to a trump, and West took the Q-A and led a third trump, stopping any diamond ruffs in dummy. South then tried a club finesse with the jack for his 10th trick, but East had the queen. Down one.

TRUMP SHIFT

South would be safe if he suppressed his instincts at Trick One. If dummy plays a low heart, East can't afford to overtake with the ace for a trump shift since dummy will have an extra heart winner.

When East plays low, West is helpless. If he leads a club, South can take the ace, cash the top diamonds, ruff a diamond, come to the king of clubs and ruff his last diamond.

Can East-West beat four spades? It's natural for West to react to his Q-7 of hearts by leading the queen. But if West happens to lead the seven, the defense can prevail.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 3 H A 10 9 8 6 4 D 10 5 C Q 10 8 4. Your partner opens one spade, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: You must respond since partner's opening bid could conceal a good hand. He might hold A Q 7 6 2, K Q 7 3, A K 7, 3, and you'd have a chance at six hearts. But your hand isn't strong enough to respond two hearts. Bid 1NT. If partner next bids two of a minor suit, you can show your hearts without overstating your high-card strength.