Bridge: Aug. 27, 2024

Postmortems are a necessary evil. Partnerships must analyze their results dispassionately. The purpose of a “discussion” is to improve, not to humble your partner.

Today’s West led the ten of spades against 3NT: four, two, jack. South led a club to dummy’s queen, and East won and returned a spade: queen, ace. West then led a third spade, and South had two spades, five diamonds and two clubs.

“When you take the ace of clubs, shift to a low heart,” West grumbled.

“My spade return was automatic,” East retorted. “You might have led from A-Q-10-9-3.”

“I would have overcalled with a strong suit.”

NO FINESSE

“You know South has the queen of diamonds,” East persisted, “since he didn’t try an early diamond finesse. A shift to the king of hearts is your only chance.”

It seems both players were more concerned with winning the postmortem than the deal. The defense was difficult; either player could have done better.

When you conduct a postmortem, don’t belittle. Be big.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S A 10 9 7 3 H K 6 D 7 6 C 10 7 4 2. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade, he bids two diamonds and you return to two hearts. Partner then bids two spades. What do you say?

ANSWER: If partner saw no chance for game, he would have passed two hearts. With a minimum — KQ4,AJ732,Q542,3 — he would have raised your one spade to two. He has substantial extra strength. Bid four spades. Partner may hold KQ4,AJ732,AQ42,3.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S 6 5 4

H Q 10 9

D A K J 10 4

C Q 5

WEST

S A 10 9 7 3

H K 6

D 7 6

C 10 7 4 2

EAST

S 8 2

H A J 5 4 2

D 9 8 3 2

C A 8

SOUTH

S K Q J

H 8 7 3

D Q 5

C K J 9 6 3

South West North East
1 C Pass 1 D Pass
1 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 10

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