Bridge: Sept. 17, 2022

“Simple Saturday” columns commonly offer with approach, but these days I address a partnership issue. If I had to name the most essential attribute of a fantastic associate, it would be empathy. Good associates are supportive via thick and slender.

When West led the king of diamonds versus six spades, South took the ace and experienced to worry about his diamond loser. If he dropped a finesse in trumps next, West would money a diamond. Instead, South led the A-K of hearts. If East-West had adopted, he would have continued with the queen, and if hearts broke 3-3, he would ditch his diamond.

Higher Coronary heart

If West ruffed the third coronary heart, South would however triumph if the trump finesse received. If as a substitute East ruffed, South could overruff and would even now have possibilities. But, alas, West ruffed the 2nd large coronary heart and cashed a diamond.

“The gentleman goes down when he’s chilly for 13 tricks,” North grumbled.

That comment was ungenerous North should have commiserated with South, who designed the suitable play and was unlucky.

Day-to-day Question

You maintain: S A Q 9 7 2 H 5 3 D 8 4 C A K 10 6. Your companion opens a person coronary heart, you answer one spade and he bids

two golf equipment. What do you say?

Solution: You will have to commit to recreation, and a increase to three clubs would only invite. Jump to 4 clubs, forcing. Some players may stall with a tremendous-scientific “fourth-suit” bid of two diamonds, but the apparent, easy motion — elevating your lover — has some thing to advocate it.

North vendor

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S J 10 8

H A K Q J 7

D A 6

C Q J 2

WEST

S 6 4 3

H 2

D K Q 10 7 5 3

C 8 4 3

EAST

S K 5

H 10 9 8 6 4

D J 9 2

C 9 7 5

SOUTH

S A Q 9 7 2

H 5 3

D 8 4

C A K 10 6

North East South West
1 H Go 1 S Pass
2 NT Go 3 C Go
3 S Pass 5 S Move
6 S All Go
Opening guide — D K

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