Most of us would define a good contract as one that will succeed more often than not. (It’s right to bid vulnerable games with under a 50-50 chance.) Cy the Cynic’s definition of a “good contract” is one that makes.
Today’s North-South bid boldly to slam. West led the ace of trumps (“to see dummy,” I guess) and a second trump. South won and took the A-K of clubs. When East-West followed, South cashed the A-K of diamonds to pitch dummy’s last club and ruffed a club.
DIAMOND LOSER
South then drew the missing trump and took two club winners, but he had a diamond loser. He finessed with the queen of hearts — and went down two.
Six spades was a fair contract (but by Cy’s definition it was terrible). South succeeds with better timing. After he wins the second trump, he takes the top diamonds to pitch a club from dummy, ruffs a diamond, cashes the top clubs and ruffs a club.
South then takes the ace of hearts, ruffs a heart and draws trumps. He wins the last two tricks with good clubs.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 5 H 10 8 7 6 D Q 9 6 3 2 C Q 10. Your partner opens one club, the next player bids one spade and you double (negative). Partner then bids three hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: If your partner had bid two hearts, he would have “raised” the suit your showed with your double; he would not suggest any extra strength. His jump to three hearts invites game, but you have little more strength than your double promised. Pass.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 9 8 7
H A Q 9 3 2
D 4
C A 6 5
WEST
S A 5
H 10 8 7 6
D Q 9 6 3 2
C Q 10
EAST
S 4 3 2
H K 5 4
D J 10 8 7
C J 8 2
SOUTH
S K J 10 6
H J
D A K 5
C K 9 7 4 3
South West North East
1 C Pass 1 H Pass
1 S Pass 4 S Pass
5 D Pass 6 S All Pass
Opening lead — S A
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Originally published at Frank Stewart