Cy the Cynic and Unlucky Louie had played in a duplicate, and I found them in the lounge, having a "charge" party. They reviewed the deals, and each clear error cost the offender a quarter. The money paid for beer and a pizza.

When they came to today's deal, the Cynic shrugged as if there were nothing to discuss. South played 3NT, making three. Louie led the deuce of spades: jack, queen, king. South lost a club finesse to Cy's queen; Louie ducked the spade return. When Cy took the ace of clubs, the defense cashed two spades.

"Next deal," said Cy.

HIGH SPADE

"Hold it," I said, "You beat 3NT if you don't cover the jack of spades. South had to have a high spade. If he had A-x, his percentage play from dummy was the nine. When he played the jack, he was trying to induce you to cover."

"Nuts," Cy said. "What if he had A-K-x?"

"You'd assume I led a spade from 10-x-x?" Louie protested.

They were still arguing two beers later, so I helped myself to a slice of pizza.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 10 H K Q 10 D A Q 7 3 C 9 5 4 2. Neither side vulnerable. The dealer, at your right, opens one heart. What do you say?

ANSWER: I know capable players who put so much stock in "declarer's advantage" that they would fudge by a point or two and overcall 1NT. They might survive, but a takeout double would be unwise since the spade support is poor. I'd pass despite the 14 points. A disciplined player is willing to pass when no other action is just right.