“I couldn’t understand how my seatbelt worked — and then something clicked.” — graffiti.
What we call “card sense” is an ability to visualize and manipulate an array of cards. Some people are born with it, but it can be learned.
Against today’s 3NT, East wins the first diamond with his king and returns the nine. Declarer’s jack covers, and West takes the ace and leads the ten. When South takes his queen, he can win at least nine tricks if the spade finesse works. But when West took the ace of diamonds, he indicated an entry; without one, he would duck the second diamond to keep communication.
Can declarer visualize a winning line of play?
THREE CLUBS
South cashes three clubs. When West follows, South takes a fourth club and then the K-A of hearts. At the 10th trick, he leads his last diamond. West can take two diamonds but then must lead a spade from his king, giving South a free finesse and his game.
Did something click when you read the account of the play?
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q J 10 H K 9 6 4 2 D 5 C Q 7 6 5. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: This problem is taxing. Partner could have as many as 18 points, and since game is still possible, many players would choose a chance-giving bid of 1NT. To pass might be a winning call. With a better hand such as QJ10,AK642,5,7654, I would raise to two spades despite having only three-card support.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q J 10
H K 9 6 4 2
D 5
C Q 7 6 5
WEST
S K 7 5
H 7 5
D A 10 8 4 2
C 10 8 2
EAST
S 8 6 3 2
H Q J 10 8
D K 9 6
C J 4
SOUTH
S A 9 4
H A 3
D Q J 7 3
C A K 9 3
South West North East
1 C Pass 1 H Pass
2 NT Pass 3 C Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — D 4
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