Bridge - Feb. 9

How's this for questionable timing? "The tragedy in Mr. Smith's death," read a newspaper report of a fatal accident, "is that if it had happened a few minutes earlier, he might still be alive."

In today's deal, West led the seven of spades against South's game. East took the queen and knew the lead was a singleton, hence he cashed the ace and led a third spade for West to ruff. West next led a club, but South rose with dummy's ace, drew trumps, discarded dummy's losing club on a good spade, and claimed the rest. Making four.

EARLIER

South benefitted from some bad timing: If East had given West his ruff one trick earlier, the defense might still be alive. Instead of establishing declarer's spades for him, East must lead the deuce of spades at Trick Two.

When West ruffs, he'll lead a club: East's deuce - his lowest spade - is a suit-preference play, asking West to lead the lowest-ranking side suit next. Then the defense gets a club, two spades and a ruff.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 10 4 H A J 5 3 D K 6 5 2 C A 7. You are the dealer. What is your opening call?

ANSWER: Tournament players would open 1NT, using a range of 15 to 17 points. (Tournament fans often open balanced 12-point hands. They bid 1NT next with 12 to 14 points: A range of 12 to 15 points would be unwieldy.) If you prefer a 16-to-18 range and would open this hand with one diamond, fine. Just be sure you and your partner have a firm agreement.