How do you continue to win nine tricks?

Say South goes after the hearts by finessing with the jack. If East wins, South can win the diamond return, take the A-Q of hearts and concede a heart to East's ten. The defense cashes two diamonds, but South has the rest: Dummy's king of spades is an entry to the good heart.

FIFTH HEART

But if East correctly refuses the first heart, declarer is in trouble. He is one dummy entry short to set up and cash the fifth heart. South can succeed only with double-dummy play.

South's correct approach is to play low from dummy on the first heart, forcing East to win. South can duck the diamond return, win the next diamond and lead a heart to the queen. Barring a horrible break, he is sure of the three heart tricks he needs to make 3NT.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S A 10 5 2 H 8 2 D A K 5 C A K 8 4. With neither side vulnerable, the dealer, at your right, opens three hearts. You double, and your partner bids three spades. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your double was for takeout, though at this level your partner might pass and hope for a plus if he had values in hearts. You also promised at least 17 points, and you have little to spare. Since partner's bid of three spades showed no values, pass.