Unlucky Louie had ended up in the hole in his penny Chicago game again.

"Losing sessions don't bother me," he confided. "After all, if I never had a bad day, how would I know?"

"Your logic is impeccable," I said.

If Louie ever had a good day, nobody would believe it. When he played today's slam, he ruffed the opening club lead in dummy, drew trumps and let the ten of hearts ride. East took the king and exited with a heart. Louie then led a diamond to his king and returned a diamond toward dummy. When West discarded, Louie had to lose a diamond.

"My luck," Louie sighed.

FINESSE

After Louie draws trumps, he should lead the king and a low diamond. If West followed low twice, Louie would finesse with dummy's jack, and even if East took the queen, he would have to concede the 12th trick, either by giving up a ruff-sluff or by leading a heart.

When West actually discards on the second diamond, Louie takes the ace and exits with a diamond to end-play East.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 4 3 H K 4 D Q 10 5 C A 10 7 5 3 2. Your partner opens 1NT, and the next player overcalls two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Maybe your partner would treat a bid of three clubs as forcing - pairs have varying styles - but that issue is moot since you don't want to play the hand at clubs. You have enough values for game, a heart trick and a long suit that should produce tricks at notrump. Don't risk a misunderstanding: Bid 3NT.