All the world’s a stage — and so, in a way, is the bridge table. The problem is that some players are under-rehearsed.

Today’s North-South got to a good game. South showed a strong hand by doubling at his second turn, then rebidding his suit; North judged that his spade tolerance and high diamonds merited a raise.

West led three high clubs, and South ruffed and took the three top trumps. When East discarded, South couldn’t concede the fourth trump to West, who would cash more clubs. Instead, South started the diamonds. West waited to ruff the third diamond and led another club, and South ruffed but lost a heart at the end. Down one.

South needed to rehearse his trump management. He has 10 winners if he keeps control. He leads a diamond to dummy at Trick Four and lets the ten of trumps ride.

As the cards lie, South makes an overtrick. But if West had the jack, South could win any return (ruffing a fourth club lead in dummy), draw trumps and take the rest.

Daily question: You hold: ? 8 7 5 3 ? Q J 6 ? 6 ? A K Q J 4. You open one club. Your partner bids one heart. What do you say?

Answer: In some styles, a bid of one spade would be mandated, but a strong case exists for a raise to two hearts. You confirm a trump fit and limit your strength. If you bid one spade, and partner next bid 1NT or two clubs, you would have to pass: A bid of two hearts would show a better hand.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

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