Bridge - August 27

When I watched today's deal at the club, South was Joe Overberry, who thinks it's nobler to go down in pursuit of an overtrick than to make his bid.

Joe's leap to four hearts was bold, especially if he was going to misplay as usual. Joe ruffed West's third high spade - East threw a club - and saw a chance for a treasured overtrick. He led a diamond to dummy's ace and a club to his queen.

If the finesse had won, Joe would have taken 11 tricks; but West took the king and led another high spade, on which East got rid of his last club.

When Joe tried to cash the ace of clubs next, East ruffed for down one.

SAME STORY

"Same old story," North said. "The man chucks 620 points trying for 650."

Joe had 10 tricks - five trumps, two diamonds, a club and two ruffs in dummy - unless his ace of clubs was ruffed. After ruffing the third spade, Joe should take the top diamonds and ace of clubs and concede a club. He wins West's trump return and crossruffs for the contract.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 8 7 3 2 H K 9 4 D A 8 7 3 C 7 2. Your partner opens two clubs (strong, artificial), you respond two diamonds, he bids two spades and you raise to three spades. Partner cue-bids four clubs, you reply four diamonds and he tries four hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your hand is not bad: You have four trumps and a possible ruffing feature in clubs.

Continue with a cue bid of five hearts to show your king. You'll hope partner will bid six spades next.