Today's deal turned into a competitive partscore battle, and South pushed on to three spades because he had a five-card suit. Possession of a ninth trump is often reason to compete.

West led a heart, and East took the ace, cashed his king of clubs and led a second heart. South won and let the ten of trumps ride, and East took the king and exited with his last trump. South next took the three high diamonds, pitching a club. He then led a club -- and lost two clubs to West. Down one.

East would have been down one at three hearts. Was South's decision to bid three spades a misjudgment?

SINGLETON

South's bid was reasonable, but he booted an easy play for his contract. East's king of clubs was a sure singleton; West needed the ace for his bid of three hearts.

After South takes the high diamonds, he should lead dummy's last diamond. When East follows, South pitches a club -- a loser on a loser. Then East must lead a heart, and South discards his last club as dummy ruffs.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S A J 6 2 H Q 4 D A K 7 3 C 8 6 2. The dealer, at your right, opens one heart. You double, and your partner bids two spades. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner's jump-response to your double invites game; partner could have as few as eight or nine good high-card points. Since your queen of hearts is probably wasted for offense, your values are minimum. Pass. If you held A J 6 2, 7 4, A K 7 3, Q 6 2, you could justify a raise to three spades.