Cy the Cynic defines “drawing a conclusion” as reaching a point where you’re tired of thinking. When Cy was today’s West, he tired too early.

Against four spades, Cy led the king of hearts. Declarer took dummy’s ace and let the nine of trumps ride, and Cy took the king and tried to cash his queen of hearts. South ruffed, led a trump to dummy and passed the queen of diamonds.

Cy took his king and drew the conclusion that dummy’s diamonds would give South club discards. So the Cynic cashed his ace of clubs. South’s king won the next club, and he claimed, making game.

“Next time I’ll sacrifice at five hearts,” East growled.

Cy beats the contract if he finds the strength to count. When Cy takes the king of diamonds, he knows South held one heart and five spades, so seven minor-suit cards. After South runs dummy’s diamonds, he will still have two clubs, so Cy need not cash his ace. If Cy exits with a diamond, South must lead clubs himself and lose two more tricks.

Daily question: You hold: ? A Q 10 7 4 ? 7 ? A 8 3 ? K 10 8 4. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and he bids two clubs. What do you say?

Answer: Partner has not defined his strength or pattern. Your best contract could be anything from 3NT to seven clubs. You need more data. Bid two diamonds, a "fourth-suit" call that does not promise great diamonds but asks partner to bid again. If he bids 3NT, you will pass. He may hold J, A J 9 6 4, Q 1 0 4, A Q 9 6.

North dealer

Both sides vulnerable

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