On “Simple Saturday” I focus on basic technique and logical thinking.
Learning bridge is a step-by-step process. Newer players are taught to draw the missing trumps. Advancing players learn the reasons to delay: to ruff losers, preserve entries, set up a fast discard for a loser, and more.
At today’s four spades, South ruffed the second heart and drew trumps; he had one left. He then attacked his side suit, leading the A-K and a third club. West won and led another heart, forcing out declarer’s last trump. South then took two clubs but lost the last two tricks; East had the ace of diamonds and a heart.
PRINCIPLE
It’s a principle of dummy play: When trump control may be an issue, set up your side suit early. After South ruffs the second heart, he can take the ace of clubs, lead a trump to dummy, return a club to his king and concede a club.
South ruffs West’s heart return and leads a diamond to the king and ace. He can win any return, draw trumps and take the rest.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 8 3 H A 9 8 3 2 D A 10 6 2 C J 10. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT and he bids two hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Instead of counting points, use your imagination. Visualize minimum hands for partner that will make four hearts a good contract. If he has AK642,KQ75,3,Q65, he will have a good chance for 10 tricks and on a good day will win 11. You should raise to four hearts and put down your dummy with pride.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 10 4
H K 5 4
D K Q 7 4
C 5 3 2
WEST
S 9 6 5
H Q J 10 7
D J 9 5
C Q 9 8
EAST
S 8 3
H A 9 8 3 2
D A 10 6 2
C J 10
SOUTH
S A Q J 7 2
H 6
D 8 3
C A K 7 6 4
South West North East
1 S Pass 2 D Pass
3 C Pass 3 S Pass
4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H Q
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