FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

SIMPLE SATURDAY

“Simple Saturday” columns focus on improving basic technique and logical thinking.

You’re declarer at today’s 3NT. West leads the jack of spades, and when North produces a dummy with an ace, he no doubt expects you to make the contract. East discards a diamond, and you take the queen of spades. How do you proceed?

First, count winners. You have three spades, a heart, two diamonds and two clubs. Your only chance for a ninth trick is in hearts. To lead from dummy toward the queen is correct. (Leading the queen — an unsupported honor — would never gain against correct defense.) Premature

Still, to go to the ace of hearts at Trick Two and return a heart toward your queen would be premature. If East has the king, he will have it later. Play a low heart from both hands. East wins and shifts to the queen of diamonds, and you win and lead a second heart.

As it happens, the king appears from West, and you are safe. You did well to give yourself that extra chance in hearts. Daily Question

You hold: ♠ 7532 ♥ A 43 ♦ 532 ♣6 4 2. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player bids two hearts. After two passes, your partner doubles again. What do you say?

Answer: Partner’s first double was for takeout, asking you to bid. His second double repeats that message and suggests extra strength. Bid two spades. If your partner has what he promises, you should have a chance to win eight tricks.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable