Simple Saturday columns focus on basic technique and logical thinking.

A little learning is a dangerous thing, especially to a man who mistakes it for a lot. New players learn defensive “rules” and then, I would hope, learn when to ignore them.

For reasons unknown, today’s North raised South’s 1NT to 3NT instead of using Stayman. A contract of four hearts on the 4-4 fit would have come home, but 3NT was in jeopardy.

South ducked the spade opening lead, won the next spade with dummy’s king and led a club. East knew enough to play “second hand low,” and South’s king won. South then lost a heart to the ace and had nine tricks: three hearts, two spades, three diamonds and a club.

North’s bid would be punished if East ignores a rule and grabs his ace of clubs to lead his last spade. He could set up the spades while West still had the ace of hearts as an entry.

When your partner leads a long suit against 3NT, strive to win an early trick to return his lead.

Daily question: You hold: ? K 3 ? Q 10 8 4 ? A 4 2 ? Q 9 6 3. The dealer, at your left, opens one diamond. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

Answer: Partner has opening values or more, probably with support for the unbid suits, especially the majors. With your 11 good points, commit to game. Start with a cue bid of two diamonds. But with K 3, Q 1 0 8 4, K 4 2,K 9 6 3 — with a wasted king of diamonds — I would bid two hearts, invitational.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

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