“If at first you don’t succeed, call it Version” — a sign in a software company.

Computer programmers, whose forte is problem-solving, often do well at bridge. But declarers get only one try at making a contract. If at first you don’t succeed, have another chance in reserve.

It’s a mystery why today’s North raised to 3NT instead of looking for a 4-4 spade fit via Stayman. West led the ten of clubs; jack, king, ace. Declarer then cashed the A-K of spades. A 3-2 break would have given him nine sure tricks, but West threw a diamond.

South next led a heart to dummy and returned a diamond, finessing with his queen. West won, and the defense ran the clubs for down one.

South gave himself only one chance. After he sees the 4-1 spade break, he can take the ace, king and queen of hearts. When East-West follow, South’s fourth heart is good for his ninth trick. If the hearts failed to break, the lead would be in dummy, and South could try the diamond finesse.

Daily question>> You hold: ? 10 ? 10 8 6 ? K 9 8 4 ? Q 10 9 5 2. Both sides vulnerable. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and you respond ("advance") two clubs. Partner raises to three clubs. What do you say?

Answer >> Your partner knew you were obliged to take out his double and you promised no values, yet he has tried for game. Your hand could be worse. Bid five clubs. Partner’s hand will be no weaker than AJ53,7,AJ6,AJ643.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

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