Bridge: Nov. 13, 2023
“My life is about to become idyllic,” Cy the Cynic told me. “I found a book online titled `How to solve 50 percent of your problems.'”
“So now everything will be perfect?” I frowned.
“I ordered two copies,” the Cynic said.
A finesse will work 50 percent of the time, though some players might dispute that notion. But some finesses can be problem-solvers whether they work or not. At today’s four spades, South ruffed the third club and next took the three top trumps. He hoped for a friendly break, but West had J-7-6-2.
DOWN THREE
South couldn’t lead another trump — West would cash clubs — so he led a diamond to dummy and returned a heart to his jack. He went down three when West won and took his jack of trumps and two clubs.
At Trick Four, South should lead a trump and finesse with dummy’s nine. As the cards lie, he makes an overtrick. If East had the jack, South would still be safe: If East led a heart, South could take the ace, draw trumps and run the diamonds.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S J 7 6 2 H K 8 D 8 4 C A K Q 7 3. Your partner opens one heart. The next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: The correct response is two clubs. Since you have enough ammunition to commit to game, show your long suit first. If partner rebids two diamonds, continue with two spades. If your hand were weaker — say J762,K8,84,A10864 — you would respond one spade since finding a fit in the major would be a priority.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S A 9
H 7 4
D A Q J 10 5 3
C J 10 6
WEST
S J 7 6 2
H K 8
D 8 4
C A K Q 7 3
EAST
S 5 3
H 10 9 6 5 2
D 9 6 2
C 9 5 2
SOUTH
S K Q 10 8 4
H A Q J 3
D K 7
C 8 4
South West North East
1 S 2 C 2 D Pass
2 H Pass 3 D Pass
4 D Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — C K
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