Bridge: Oct. 8, 2022

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

Beginning players may hear about “eight ever, nine never,” a bit of pseudo-wisdom about how declarer should attack a nine-card holding missing the queen (like the hearts in today’s deal): He should take the A-K, expecting the queen to fall, instead of finessing in one direction or the other.

In fact, to play for the drop is only slightly better; if declarer has any clue at all about where the queen lies, he should be willing to back his judgment.

CONTROL

South plays at four hearts after West inserts a weak jump-overcall. North’s bid of three spades shows a good hand with heart support, not necessarily a “control” in spades. West leads the queen of spades. How should declarer play the trumps?

It’s right to ignore “nine never.” West probably had six spades, East two. There is more room in the East hand for hearts, so the odds in hearts have shifted. South should take the ace and let the nine ride.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 8 5 H K J 10 6 4 D 5 3 C A Q 4. You open one heart, and your partner bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: I believe in raising a major-suit response with three-card support in a suitable hand. Bid two spades. A rebid of two hearts would suggest a longer suit, and a bid of 1NT with no diamond strength is unattractive. “When in doubt, raise,” is a sound dictum. Auctions are easier when a trump suit is suggested early.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S A 4

H A 9 8 2

D A 9 7 4

C 6 5 2

WEST

S Q J 10 7 6 2

H 5

D 10 8

C K 8 7 3

EAST

S 9 3

H Q 7 3

D K Q J 6 2

C J 10 9

SOUTH

S K 8 5

H K J 10 6 4

D 5 3

C A Q 4

South West North East
1 H 2 S 3 S Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — S Q

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