Cy the Cynic says that excuses are like flimsy nightgowns or Saranwrap: You can see right through them.

In my club’s penny game, West led a club against 3NT. Dummy played low, and East won and returned the seven: nine, ten, ace. Declarer next cashed the A-K of diamonds — and East discarded. South then took his queen of diamonds and major-suit ace-kings for eight tricks — and gave up.

“I knew West had club length” South shrugged. “I didn’t expect four diamonds.”

“That’s no excuse,” Cy, North, growled. “Get a count. Lead a spade to dummy’s ten and later a heart to dummy’s ten. When you take the A-K in the majors later, you find West with only two hearts and two spades. Then you play him for diamond length.”

South’s excuse was even more transparent. After he sees the 4-1 diamond break, he could (since West has five clubs as expected) take his A-K of hearts and A-K of spades (perhaps ducking a spade to East first). At the end, South exits with his last club, and West must lead a diamond from his jack.

Daily question >> You hold: ? A 6 4 ? A 5 3 ? A Q 10 4 ? J 9 4. Neither side vulnerable. The dealer, at your right, opens one club. What do you say?

Answer >> I would not enjoy doubling for takeout with this hand. The pattern is balanced, and the hand looks better for defense. The jack of clubs may be a wasted card for offense. Still, passing could result is a missed game; if you don't act, partner will have trouble imagining that you have so much strength. Use your judgment.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

Tribune Content Agency