Simple Saturday columns focus on basic technique and logical thinking.
Some players view partners as a necessary evil and aren’t mindful of their partner’s problems. Their approach seems to be, “Let partner guess. That’s what partners are for.” That is a poor basis for an effective partnership.
In today’s deal, West led a low club against 3NT. (South’s jump to 3NT would typically be based on long, strong diamonds and no interest in a heart contract.) East took the king and returned the deuce: ten, jack.
FOURTH CLUB
Mentally patting himself on the back for finding a good lead, West cashed the ace, dropping declarer’s queen, and led a fourth club. Unfortunately, after East won with the eight, he led a spade … and South claimed the rest, scoring game.
West was numb to the fact that his partner might have a problem when he won the fourth club. West would lose nothing by taking the ace of hearts before leading the fourth club. East, I suspect, would be most grateful.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K J 4 3 H K J 10 2 D J 10 5 C 9 6. The dealer, at your left, opens three clubs. Your partner doubles. The next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner’s double is for takeout; his hand is worth at least 17 points, usually with support for any suit you bid. Since you have nine good points, commit to game. Cue-bid four clubs and let partner choose the trump suit. He may have better support for one major than the other.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K J 4 3
H K J 10 2
D J 10 5
C 9 6
WEST
S 7 5 2
H A 8 5
D 7 6 3
C A J 4 3
EAST
S 10 9 8
H 9 7 6 4 3
D 8
C K 8 7 2
SOUTH
S A Q 6
H Q
D A K Q 9 4 2
C Q 10 5
South West North East
1 D Pass 1 H Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — C 3
©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
