Cy the Cynic, a confirmed bachelor, maintains that it’s helpful to have a good woman by your side in times of trouble. There’s no doubt that a good partner can improve your results at bridge, but even the best partner won’t help if you don’t let him.

Today’s West led the jack of spades against South’s four hearts, and East took the king and ace. When South followed with the five and eight, East promptly led a third spade; he expected West to ruff with a trump higher than dummy. But West could produce only the six, and declarer overruffed with the seven, drew trumps and ran the diamonds. Making five!

UNLUCKY

East was unlucky, but he should have consulted his partner. At Trick Three, East should lead the king of clubs.

West will signal encouragement, and East will lead a second club for down one. If West could ruff a third spade higher than dummy, he would discourage a club continuation.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ? J 4 ? 6 4 ? 9 7 6 2 ? A 9 6 4 2. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT and he bids two hearts. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: Some players would have passed one spade with this hand; others would have acted with an ace plus the jack of partner’s suit. Having responded, you must bid again despite your weakness and return to two spades. Partner may well have five spades and four hearts. A preference here promises no extra strength.