BRIDGE

It was pleasing to see Ron Klinger's Guide to Better Duplicate Bridge appearing in paperback. It contains much sound advice, even if you do not agree with all his bidding ideas. Consider this deal:

North opened One Diamond, East overcalled with One Spade and South made a negative double, suggesting values in the unbid suits and, in particular, four hearts. West raised to Two Spades and North competed with Three Clubs. Klinger suggests that this bid at the Three level shows some 16- 18 points and thus makes it easy for South to try Three No-trumps. Yes, I would bid Three Clubs but my partner, not knowing whether I was minimum or better, would quietly bid Three Dia- monds. I would try Three Spades and partner could bid Three No-trumps.

What about the play in Three No-trumps after the lead of the four of spades? If East takes his ace, declarer holds his king to the third round, crosses to dummy with a club, and finesses the ten of diamonds. This loses but there are now nine tricks.

East should play the nine of spades at trick 1. South wins and must now play the diamonds to his advantage. He cannot cope if East has started with Q9xx but he can deal with this holding in the West hand. Hence the winning line is to cash the king and run the ten if it is not covered.

NORTH-SOUTH GAME: Dealer North

North

] 8 6

_ K J

+ A J 8 4 3

[ A K 7 4

West East

] J 7 4 ]A Q 10 9 5

_ Q 10 8 3 _ 6 5 2

+ Q 9 7 6 + 5

[ J 8 [ Q 10 9 2

South

] K 3 2

_ A 9 7 4

+ K 10 2

[ 6 5 3