Cy the Cynic opines that people who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.

Today’s South opened 2NT and played at 3NT after North looked for a major-suit fit via Stayman. South won the first diamond with the queen, led a heart to dummy and returned a spade to finesse with his nine.

West took the jack and led another diamond, and South won, led another heart to dummy and tried a spade to his queen. When West produced the king and led a third diamond, declarer won and tried the A-K and a third club. The suit failed to break 3-3, and South ended with eight tricks and made the time-honored remark about bad bounces.

South dropped the ball. To assure at least nine tricks, all he must do is take the ace of spades at Trick Two, then lead the queen.

Say West wins and shifts to a heart. South wins and leads a third spade to his nine, losing to West’s jack. Then dummy’s ten is high, and dummy still has a high heart as an entry.

Daily question: You hold: ? 10 8 3 2 ? A K 6 3 ? 6 5 ? 6 5 2. The dealer, at your left, opens one club. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

Answer: This is a case of preparedness. Bid one spade. The auction may turn competitive: You may hear two clubs by the opening bidder and two passes. Then you can bid two hearts and play at the two level at the major suit partner prefers. He may have four-card support for only one major.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

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