Dear Mr. Rigal: As declarer, do I always have to state my line when claiming at the end of the hand?

Answer: It pays to state a line so that nothing goes wrong when (for example) there is a pesky trump out. Also, the opponents might call the director and try to force you to take a losing line unless you are specific. If you have a choice of plays, you must specify which one you are taking. It is only when your entire hand or dummy is high that you might stay silent.

Dear Mr. Rigal: You hold ? 9-7-2, ? 10-6, ? J-10-9-8-7-6-4-2, ? ---, everyone vulnerable, and pass as dealer. Your partner opens one heart in third seat, and the next player bids one spade. You pass, only to see the next player raise to four spades, back to you. Have you anything to say? My five-diamond call went down for 1100 when partner put down the expected singleton spade but only queen-doubleton in diamonds.

Answer: Your five-diamond call was aggressive but unlucky. Partner had to be short in spades here, so your chances of defeating four spades were bad and your odds of finding some diamond support were good. You win some, you lose some.

Dear Mr. Rigal: In your experience, how often do defenders randomize the order in which they play their worthless spot-cards?

Answer: Most follow upward unless they are starting an echo to give count or suit preference. It is sometimes difficult to tell if a higher spot card could come in handy later. An observant declarer can use this information to his advantage. There are some sly individuals who play their small cards randomly, though. Watch out for them!

Dear Mr. Rigal: Would you overcall one heart with two diamonds, holding ? J-9, ? A-7-6, ? K-Q-8-6-4, ? A-7-4 at game all? If not, would you bid when the next hand raises to two hearts and partner chimes in with two spades?

Answer: I would not overcall two diamonds. Two-level overcalls should be based on six-card suits or strong five-baggers when vulnerable. However, when partner bids two spades over two hearts, I have a great hand for him and can offer a strong invitation to game. Three hearts as a cue bid raise looks right. If partner retreats to three spades, I will pass.

Dear Mr. Rigal: Should my partner and I agree on and stick to a partnership preempting style, or is it better to vary it?

Answer: It is harder to play against pairs who might have anything for their preempts, but it is, by the same token, much harder for the preempting side to bid and defend. In the long run, I would recommend choosing a style based on position and vulnerability. Be aggressive if non-vulnerable when in first or third seat. By contrast, be disciplined when vulnerable or in second seat. For the record, your partnership is allowed to have different individual styles, but you should disclose that to the opponents if asked.

Contact Barry Rigal, email him at barryrigal@hotmail.com