"Women have better memories than men," Wendy, my club's feminist, told me. "Men forget everything, but women remember."

"I know of no studies to support that," I said.

"It's why men can't get along without instant replay," Wendy growled.

Wendy was North in a duplicate event. South played at 3NT, and West led the four of spades: three, king, ace.

"My partner cashed three clubs next," Wendy told me, "and West threw a heart. South then took the ace of diamonds and led to the jack. The finesse won, but when East discarded, South took only nine tricks."

WAS A MAN

"I suppose South was a man," I sighed.

"It was just like a man," Wendy said, "to boot an overtrick because he couldn't remember the opening lead."

Wendy thought South should have finessed with the NINE on the second diamond. West had shown two clubs, and the opening lead marked him with four spades. If he had four good hearts, he might have led a heart. So South could have played West for four diamonds.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 8 5 H K Q 10 3 2 D 6 C J 10 9 8. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids two clubs and you raise to three clubs. Partner then bids three hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: When your partner bid again after you invited game by raising his second suit, he accepted your invitation; his three hearts is forcing. Though your king of spades may face a singleton, you must bid four hearts. Partner may hold 7, A 7 6, K Q 7 5 4, A Q 7 3.