Simple Saturday columns focus on improving basic technique and logical thinking. Cy the Cynic says that if someone gives you directions that include the words “you can’t miss it,” you almost surely will.

Today’s South had to make 3NT. Lest you wonder why he bid 1NT with only 14 points, “balancing” actions require fewer points than usual. West led the king of spades, then the ace and a third spade, and declarer won and had to pick up the diamonds to land his game. He led to the ace ... and East discarded. Down two.

“I thought since East had only two spades,” South said, “;he was more likely to have length in diamonds. How could I miss out?”

South couldn’t miss unless he tried. After he wins the third spade, he should cash his club tricks. When West discards on the third club, South will know that only West can have three diamonds; with 5-6-0-2 distribution, West surely would have bid differently. If South starts the diamonds by taking the king, he is safe.

Daily question >> You hold: ? A K 7 6 5 ? A 7 4 ? Q 6 5 ? 8 4. You open one spade, and your partner bids two hearts. The opponents pass. What do you say?

Answer >> Partner’s response promises five or more hearts (more strictly, a suit strong enough to play opposite three-card support). With only four hearts, partner would always have an option — even a temporizing response in a three-card minor. Your correct call is a raise to three hearts. Support with support!

West dealer

N-S vulnerable

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