Bridge

Cy the Cynic's doctor advised him that jogging would add years to his life. Cy told me he jogged a mile and, sure enough, he feels a lot older already.

"Actually, I like jogging," Cy said, "except for that long walk back." From the way Cy played today's slam, his memory needs jogging. Cy let East-West push him to six hearts, and when West led the three of spades, The Cynic ruffed and drew trumps. He took the top diamonds to pitch a club from dummy, ruffed a diamond, ruffed a spade and ruffed a diamond, as East-West followed.

Cy next led the ace and a low club. East showed out, and West got two clubs.

FOUR DIAMONDS

If Cy recalled the fall of the East-West cards, he could save 1,530 points. West had no trumps, four diamonds and (from his opening lead) at most five spades, hence four clubs. When Cy starts the clubs, he must play a low club from both hands.

If West wins, he must return a club from the king or concede a ruff-sluff; if East's ten wins, he must yield a ruff-sluff.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S None H A Q J 5 3 D A K 5 2 C Q 5 4 2. Neither side vulnerable. Your partner deals and opens three clubs. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Bid 5NT, the "Grand Slam Force." This convention has been around since the early days of bridge. Your partner should bid a grand slam with two of the top three honors in the agreed trump suit (clubs, by implication). He'll be a favorite at seven clubs if he holds 7 6, 2, J 7 3, A K 10 8 7 6 3.

South dealer

Both sides vulnerable

NORTH