'Play Bridge With Me' | OKbridge Blog

Dealer: East
N-S vulnerable

North

A 9 8 2

K 6 3

7 6

K J 9 2

West

J 10 9 4

9 8 3 2

A 8 7 5

East

K 5 3

Q 8 5

A 10 5 4

Q 6 3

South

Q J 10 6 4

A 7 2

K Q J

10 4

East	South	West	North
Pass	1�	Pass	3�
Pass	4�	All Pass

Opening Lead:� J

Since 1981 I’ve written a monthly column for the ACBL’s magazine. Many have been “over-my-shoulder” style. You listen in on my thoughts during a deal.Ninety of the best of these appear in “Play Bridge With Me,” my 23rd book, just published. The deals are intermediate level; the focus is on logical thinking.

At today’s four spades, I win the first heart in dummy and lead a diamond. I can’t risk losing an early trump finesse; I need a quick pitch for my heart loser. East wins the second diamond and returns a heart, and I win to discard dummy’s last heart on my high diamond. When I finesse in trumps, East wins and exits with a trump.

PASSED HAND
Now I must guess in clubs. But East, a passed hand, had the ace of diamonds, queen of hearts and king of spades. He won’t have the ace of clubs, so I lead to the king, making the game.For a postpaid to U.S. copy of “Play Bridge With Me,” send $23.95 to PO Box 962, Fayette AL 35555. Tell me how you’d like it inscribed. Profits donated.DAILY QUESTION�

You hold:
A 9 8 2
K 6 3
7 6
K J 9 2
. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER�
This case is close. In theory, your 11 points are enough for a jump to two spades, inviting game, but your king of hearts, trapped in front of the opening bidder, may be worthless. Many experts would jump anyway. I would reluctantly downgrade the hand and settle for a response of one spade.