Cy the Cynic says that when it comes to good declarer play, he who hesitates is boss. If you want to boot an easy contract, play without thinking.

West led the five of hearts against 3NT, and South tried dummy's jack. East took the king and returned a heart to the ace.

South counted seven tricks. He might succeed if East had the queen of diamonds, but South wasn't eager to try a diamond finesse that might lose to West, who had good hearts. So South led a club to his king - and West produced the ace and ran the hearts. Down one.

TRICK ONE

Since West had Q-8-5 in diamonds, South could never make 3NT, at least not after Trick One. South should consider his play - and should win the first heart.

South is at risk only if West has five hearts. But if West had K-Q-10-5-2, he'd have led the king. If East has a doubleton honor, South can block the hearts by taking the ace. East can't gain by unloading his king, and when South leads a club next, the defense is helpless.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S 8 3 H Q 10 8 5 2 D Q 8 5 C A 9 8. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT, he bids two diamonds and you return to two spades. Partner next bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: If partner weren't interested in game, he'd have stopped at two spades. Your decision is close. To raise to four diamonds or try 3NT might work, but since the spade support is the worst and the queen of hearts may be worthless, I'd pass.