“What’s the name of this game?” — Kirk Douglas as Doc Holliday in the 1957 movie “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” as he sat down to play poker.

Tournament bridge has varied forms of scoring. To succeed, you must know what game you are playing. In today’s deal, North-South reach the nine-trick notrump game, and West leads a low heart. South breathes easier when dummy’s queen wins. How should he continue?

If South is playing in a team match scored at IMPs, his goal is to make the contract. If he forces out the ace of spades next, he has two spades, two hearts, three diamonds and two clubs.

At matchpoint duplicate, South’s goal is to outscore many other pairs, by even a small margin. Overtricks may be vital. (Here, 3NT is a “normal contract” almost every North-South will reach.) So at Trick Two, South plays a low club from both hands.

With a 3-2 break, he will win five clubs, two hearts and at least three diamonds. He risks going down, but that is not the issue.

Daily question: You hold: ? J 5 3 2 ? A 9 6 ? A K Q 3 ? 7 4. You open one diamond, your partner responds one heart, you bid one spade and he bids 1NT. What do you say?

Answer: It’s tempting to try two hearts, but if you bid a third time, you will promise extra strength and suggest that game is possible despite partner's weakness. Pass. You have no reason to believe that two hearts will be a better contract. For all you know, partner holds 10 7 6, J 4 3 2, 7 6, A Q J 6.

North dealer

Both sides vulnerable

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