At today’s 3NT, South took the ace of clubs and led a diamond, starting on dummy’s long suit. West played low, won the next diamond and continued clubs.

Declarer won and needed two dummy entries: one to set up the diamonds, one to return to cash the winners. He tried leading the four of hearts to the jack, but East took the queen and led a spade. Since South couldn’t bring in the diamonds, he took only eight tricks: two spades, two hearts, a diamond and three clubs.

NINE TRICKS

To make at least 3NT, South leads the ten of hearts at Trick Five. If West had the queen and covered, South would have nine tricks; if West played low, South would let the ten ride. If East had the queen and won, dummy’s ace and jack would serve as entries so South could use the diamonds.

We all have “I shoulda” moments. Nobody ever played a perfect session. The aim is to learn from your mistakes.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ? J 9 ? 8 5 2 ? A K 3 ? J 10 9 8 3. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT, he bids two hearts and you return to two spades. Partner next bids three clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner has tried for game despite your weakish preference, and your hand is a maximum. A club contract – even six clubs – might be best, but because you have so much strength in diamonds opposite partner’s shortness, bid 3NT. That may be best if his hand is K Q 10 8 3, A K 10 3, 2, A 5 4.