A player came into the club lounge after a Chicago game wearing a sour look.

"My partner," he growled, "just made a play so far from being right that it wasn't even wrong."

North-South landed at 3NT. Most pairs would have done the same, though unless East's opening lead was a trump, North could have made six diamonds.

"West led a club," my friend said, "and my partner played the jack from dummy, taking the 'free' finesse. When East covered, South took the ace and ran the diamonds. Dummy next led the queen of spades, but East grabbed the ace and returned a club.

DOWN ONE

"My partner then led the ace and a low heart, but the defense took the rest for down one. South ate his king of spades."

I'll have to admit that South's play at Trick One was horrible. Even if the jack of clubs had won, South might have gained nothing. He must take the king, saving the ace as an entry to his hand, and lead the queen of spades to set up his ninth trick.

This week: managing entries.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 7 6 4 2 H 3 D 7 6 5 C A 7 6 5. Dealer, at your left, opens one diamond. Your partner doubles, and the next player bids two diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Game is possible. Your fifth card in spades and side ace will be useful cards. Jump to three spades to invite game. If your partner has a typical sound double such as A Q 9 5, A 7 6 2, 4, K 9 4 3, you may make an overtrick at four spades. If you bid only two spades to compete, he'll pass.