Bridge

When opportunity knocks, some people sit back and wait for it to break down the door. Such was the case today.

When East covered dummy's queen of spades with the king, South thought it wise to play low so he could ruff his losing spade in dummy when he chose. East led another spade.

South won, led a club to the ace, ruffed a club, led a trump to dummy and ruffed a club. If West had held a third club, South could have set up and cashed the fifth club. When instead clubs broke 5-2, he drew trumps and led a diamond to his queen. The finesse won, and he claimed.

WELL DONE

"Well done," said North.

"Misplayed," West growled, "and misdefended."

East left an opportunity waiting at the door: He must shift to a diamond at Trick Two. South must guess whether to try for his 12th trick in diamonds or clubs. If he relies on the clubs -- the percentage play -- he goes down.

As for South, he must win the first trick and start the clubs, retaining both options for 12 tricks.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 2 H A Q 2 D 8 6 3 C A J 9 4 3. Your partner opens one heart, you respond two clubs and he bids two spades. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner has "reversed" and promises extra strength, though after your response at the level of two, he may not have a mountain. The auction is forcing to game; still, your hand is too promising for a return to three hearts. Jump to four hearts, showing strong heart support.

North dealer