Simple Saturday columns focus on improving basic technique and logical thinking.

“All the expert at my club needs is one of those Merlin-the-Magician hats,” a learning player said to me. “I think he was born with magical powers that allow him to see through the backs of the cards.”

Some beginners believe that experienced experts have uncommon abilities, but most “expert” plays are based on simple logic. In today’s deal, West leads the ten of hearts against four spades, and dummy plays the queen. How should East defend?

If West has led a singleton, East needs to win and return a heart. But if South had four hearts, his second bid would have been two hearts, not 2NT. East should play West for a doubleton heart and signal with the seven.

Since West has sought a ruff, he may well have a quick re-entry in trumps. So it proves. When West takes his ace, he can lead his last heart to East and ruff the heart return. His king of diamonds will win the setting trick.

Daily question >> You hold: ? J 9 4 ? Q J 9 4 ? 7 6 ? A K 8 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?

Answer >> You have enough strength to invite game, though not to commit to game. Since your pattern is balanced and you have the unbid suit stopped, jump to 2NT. If your clubs were A-K-Q-4, you could bid 3NT. With J 9 4, Q J 9 4, 7 6, A 10 8 4, you would bid 1NT to keep the auction alive and preserve chances for game.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

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