Cy the Cynic told us that when he was a boy, he walked three miles to school in rain and snow.

"I felt pretty silly," Cy admitted, "when I found out there was a bus."

To save mental energy as declarer, look for an easy way to make your contract. In today's deal, South took the ace of hearts and cashed the ace of trumps. When East discarded, South continued with the king and jack. West won and led the queen of hearts.

ALL TRUMPS

South ruffed and ran all his trumps. With four tricks to go, West saved the A-9 of diamonds and K-3 clubs. After some thought, South judged correctly to take the ace of clubs and exit with his queen, and West had to concede the 13th trick to the king of diamonds, yielding the contract.

"That was hard work," North observed.

It would have been easier if South had simply let West's king of hearts win at Trick One. Whether West continued with another heart to dummy's A-J, a club, a trump or the ace of diamonds, South would get his 10th trick.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S A 8 H A J 7 3 D 8 5 3 C 9 7 5 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you bid one heart and he rebids two diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: This hand is too promising to pass, especially if you're vulnerable. It has two fast winners, diamond support and the makings of a stopper in clubs. If partner has a suitable minimum such as K 6 5, 4, A K Q 9 7 2, Q 6 3, 3NT will be almost a laydown. Raise to three diamonds. If partner continues with 3NT, you'll be delighted.