Cy the Cynic says that the best-laid plans of mice and men are approximately equal.

In today's deal, North-South had no trouble reaching four hearts after North responded to South's takeout double with a strength-showing cue bid. West led a diamond, and East took the jack and ace and led the king.

"Never send a mouse to do a man's job," South said cheerfully, and he ruffed with the ace of trumps. He next led a trump to dummy's king, and his face fell when East discarded. West was sure of two trump tricks, and South went down one.

"Only a 5-0 trump break beat me," South said, less cheerfully.

OVERRUFF

South should be a mouse and protect his contract by ruffing the third diamond low. South expects West to overruff, but if West has four trumps and no more diamonds, he will always score one trump trick. South can afford one trump loser, but not two.

Sure enough, West will overruff, but South wins any return, draws all the trumps and takes his winners for 10 tricks.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 10 8 3 H K J 5 2 D 10 7 5 C A K. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: The easy and obvious action is correct: Bid 3NT. You have no compelling reason to pursue any other contract. Your pattern is balanced, you need not mention your spades - partner would have bid one spade if he had four cards in the suit - and your diamond support is unattractive.