"My partner has convinced me that for every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism," a club player grumbled. "He finds fault with everything I do."

My friend was declarer at today's slam.

"I ruffed the second club and counted 11 tricks," he told me. "I couldn't expect a 3-3 heart break, so I decided on a dummy reversal. I led a heart to the ace, ruffed a club, led a diamond to the king and ruffed a club. I cashed the ace of trumps, overtook my queen, drew the last trump and claimed. That wasn't enough to please my partner. He acted like a pig at a pastry cart as usual: He said I'd misplayed."

NOT BEST

I like supportive partners, but South's play wasn't best. South would fail if trumps broke 4-1. After South ruffs the second club, he should take the A-K of trumps. When trumps break 3-2, South proceeds with his dummy reversal.

If trumps broke 4-1, South would start the hearts. If East held four or more hearts, South could ruff his fourth heart in dummy.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 7 2 H 5 D 6 4 3 C A K Q J 8 5 2. You are the dealer with neither side vulnerable. What do you say?

ANSWER: Most experts would avoid a pre-empt. Partner could not visualize a solid suit and might avoid a good contract of 3NT. A few experts would pass and act later. Most experts would open one club although they would prefer the long suit were a major. After all, the hand contains winners, two defensive tricks and an easy rebid.