Cy the Cynic says that your chances of hitting a target are better if you aim at it. In today’s deal, the defense misfired.

Against four hearts, West led the deuce of spades: six, king, ace. Declarer next led the nine of clubs, and West followed “second hand low” with the three. East took the king and led a trump, but South put up the ace and led the jack of clubs. When West won and led a diamond, South took dummy’s ace and pitched his last two diamonds on good clubs in dummy. West got his high trump, but South made game.

FOUR TRICKS

West’s target was four tricks. West can see one trump and can hope for two clubs, but since the defense will need a diamond, West must assume East has the king. On the first club, West must rise with his ace to lead a diamond.

True, East could have tried leading a diamond when he took the king of clubs, but if South guessed to put up the queen, he would still succeed.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ? Q 9 7 2 ? K 2 ? J 9 7 4 ? A 6 3. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner has opening values or more, usually with help for the unbid suits. With 10 points you would often jump to two spades, inviting game, but your king of hearts is stuck in front of the opening bidder and may be worthless. To bid one spade is enough. You would jump with Q972,72,KJ74,A63.