If I am asked about the most common errors defenders make, I can cite forgetting to count and missing easy inferences. At the top of the list, I put failing to distinguish between “active” and “passive” defense.
In today’s deal, West led a low diamond against four spades, and East took the king … and cashed the ace. That was (almost) the end of the defense. South won the next diamond, drew trumps, lost a club finesse and claimed. Making four.
FOUR TRICKS
To beat four spades, East needs four tricks. He can see two diamonds, no trumps and one club, so the defense needs a heart — quickly, before dummy’s clubs give declarer discards. East must shift to a heart at Trick Two — preferably to the queen in case West is reluctant to put up his king. The defense can cash a heart when East takes the king of clubs.
The problem would be harder at matchpoint duplicate scoring. If South had K J 10 9 2, K 8 6, J 8 6, 8 6, the right defense at IMPs or party bridge would be costly at duplicate.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 8 7 H Q 7 3 D A K 10 9 4 C K 7 3. You open one diamond, your partner responds one spade, you bid 1NT and he tries two hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: In “Standard” methods, partner’s second bid is not forcing or encouraging. Your 1NT limited your strength, and he is suggesting a contract. To pass may be best: Partner may have five cards in each major. Since he may also have Q J 10 6 5, A 6 5 4, 5 3, 4 2, I would bid two spades. I would never bid 2NT.
North dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S A Q 4 3
H A J
D 5 2
C A Q 10 5 2
WEST
S 6 5
H K 10 5 4 2
D J 7 3
C 9 8 4
EAST
S 8 7
H Q 7 3
D A K 10 9 4
C K 7 3
SOUTH
S K J 10 9 2
H 9 8 6
D Q 8 6
C J 6
North East South West
1 C 1 D 1 S Pass
3 S Pass 4 S All Pass
Opening lead — D 3
