Bridge

"Millard may not live in a state of confusion," a club player told me, "but I think he visits it often."

"He seems to know his way around there pretty well," I agreed.

Millard Pringle is a quiet little man who loses his way in the maze of defensive rules. As West, he led the jack of hearts against 3NT, and South took the ace, saving the king as a dummy entry. South next cashed the king of clubs and led the jack.

"Don't tell me Millard covered," I said.

"Of course," my friend sighed. "The rule is to cover an honor with an honor."

RUNS CLUBS

South took Millard's queen of clubs with the ace and led the nine to force out the ten. He took the next heart and ran the clubs. He won five clubs, two hearts and two spades.

South would go down if West refused to cover an honor. South would let the jack ride, but when East discarded, South would lack the entries to set up and cash the long clubs. South would shift to diamonds but would lose three hearts and two diamonds at least.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 10 5 4 H K 7 D J 6 C A 9 8 7 6 3. Your partner opens one heart, you respond 1NT, he bids two diamonds and you return to two hearts. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your preference bid of two hearts promised at most nine points, and partner would have passed if he saw no chance for game. Since you have three useful honors and reasonable heart support, jump to four hearts. Partner may hold 7 3, A Q J 10 6, A K 10 8 7, 4.

South dealer