Too many people are inclined to offer you advice when what you need is help. That is often the case after a misdefense.

North’s positive response of two spades promised two top honors, so South took control with Blackwood and bid six hearts when North showed one ace. East’s double of the slam was “Lightner,” asking West to pick an unlikely lead — typically the lead of the first suit North bid.

North might have run to 6NT, but when he did not, West led the three of spades. East ruffed but then led a club. South claimed 12 tricks.

West had some advice for his partner that I can’t repeat here, but what East really needed was help. If West anticipates East’s problem, he will lead the jack of spades as a suit-preference signal: his highest spade to indicate an entry in the higher-ranking minor suit.

If East returns a diamond at Trick Two, West wins and gives East another ruff for down two. (Yes, West could have achieved down one by leading his ace of diamonds.)

Daily question: You hold: ? A K 9 7 5 ? 8 4 2 ? K J 3 ? J 8. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player bids two hearts. What do you say?

Answer: You have plenty of strength to commit to game at spades, but to jump straight to four spades would be a misbid and an underbid. If partner has Q 1 0 6 4, 5,A Q 8 7 6, A 7 6, you make a slam. Cue-bid three hearts. You might bid a direct four spades with K J 9 7 5 4, 8 4 2, K 3 2, J 8.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

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