Learning players are taught to lead the top honor from a sequential holding or fourth highest from a broken suit. Today’s West led the deuce of diamonds against 3NT, and East took the ace and hastened to switch to hearts. He led the seven -- fourth best -- but South played the deuce. West took the ace and returned a heart to East’s king, but then South had two hearts, three spades, three diamonds and one club.

SETTING TRICK

To beat 3NT for sure, East must ignore a rule and shift to the ten of hearts, as if he held K-10-9-7. When South covers with an honor, West wins and returns a heart. Then East is sure of two more heart tricks, and his ace of clubs will win the setting trick.

To execute a “surrounding” play takes experience. Next time, maybe East will seize his chance.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ? 8 7 3 2 ? K 10 8 7 ? A 4 ? A 10 9. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: The problem is awkward. A bid of two spades would be forcing, and you lack the strength to force. You could invite game by raising to three clubs, but you would prefer four-card support to raise partner’s second suit. Bid 2NT despite your four low spades. The auction need not end, but if partner passes, you may go plus.