Bridge - August 28

"I had a great idea this morning, but I didn't like it." - movie maker Samuel L. Goldwyn, known for odd remarks.

Some plans of play are better than others. In today's deal, South was happy to get a diamond lead against his game. He captured East's king and thought it a great idea to ruff diamonds in dummy. South took the queen, ruffed a diamond, led a trump to his ace and ruffed a diamond.

East overruffed and did well not to cash a high club (which could have let South survive with an end play). East instead led a spade, and South eventually lost a spade, a club and another trump. Down one.

LOW SPADE

South's play might have worked, but to use dummy's spades was attractive. After South wins the first trick, he can take the A-K of trumps. When both defenders follow low, South plays a low spade from both hands.

If West wins, he can cash his high trump and lead a club, but South can win the next trick and run the spades to discard his low diamonds and fulfill the contract.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 10 5 H 10 8 D K 10 8 C A K 9 6 2. You open one club, your partner responds one heart, you bid 1NT and he raises to 2NT. What do you say?

ANSWER: This hand is worth more than its high-card point count suggests. It has an establishable five-card suit, three tens and other high spot cards. Bid 3NT. If partner holds 11 decent points - give him J 4 3, A 9 6 5, A 9 4, Q 10 5 - the defenders may have a hard time winning five tricks.