Ever wondered why Christmas shopping begins so early? During World War II, people had to mail presents far in advance to reach the troops overseas by Christmas. And so started the protracted shopping season.

Declarers must often look ahead. Against today's slam, West led the nine of clubs. South thought it might be a singleton and took dummy's ace. He seemed to have 12 tricks anyway: eight trumps, two diamonds, a heart and a club.

But when South took the ace of trumps next, East discarded. South had to lose a trump and also couldn't avoid a club loser.

TRICK TWO

South was unlucky to find West with three trumps (an 11 percent chance), but at Trick Two South must lead a heart to his ace. He next leads a trump to dummy.

When East discards, South is still alive: He leads the queen of hearts for a ruffing finesse, planning to pitch a club if East plays low. If East covers, South ruffs and goes to the king of diamonds to discard his last club on the jack of hearts.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S None H K 10 3 D J 10 7 6 2 C K J 10 5 3. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT and he bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your bid of 1NT was correct even though your pattern is unbalanced. You had to respond since game or even slam might have been cold. But now that partner has limited his strength, your objective shifts to finding a makable contract. Pass. Two hearts will be playable, and a further bid may get your side too high.