Today’s North would have liked four-card support to raise to two hearts; South’s hearts might have been poor. But raising a major-suit response with good three-card support and a shapely hand is desirable; auctions are easier when a trump suit is suggested early.

When South bid 3NT next, North passed happily. West led the deuce of spades, and declarer took dummy’s ace and led a diamond. East put up the king to return a spade: jack, queen. South won the next spade and had to abandon diamonds, lest he lose two diamonds and three spades. But West had the clubs tied up, and South took only eight tricks.

South must count winners. He has two spades and four hearts, so three clubs will see him home.

South must lead a club to his king at Trick Two and return a club toward dummy, planning to play the nine if West plays low clubs. If West discarded on the second club, South would take the ace and lead a third club toward his jack. The safety play assures the contract.

Daily question: You hold: ? A ? A J 8 ? Q 10 6 5 4 ? A 9 5 2. You open one diamond, your partner responds one spade, you bid two clubs and he raises to three clubs. What do you say?

Answer: Partner has about 11 points, and he wouldn’t raise your second suit without four-card or better support. Though you have a club fit, you should strain to play at the cheaper nine-trick game. Bid 3NT. If partner’s hand is highly distributional, he can go back to clubs.

North dealer

N-S vulnerable

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