There are 10 kinds of people: those who understand binary arithmetic and those who don't. To beat today's game, East had only to count to 10000.

South's 1NT promised 16 to 18 points. Against 3NT West led the ten of spades: queen, king. South played low and played low again when East returned the jack.

When East persisted with a third spade, South won and let the nine of diamonds ride. East took the queen and shifted to a club, but South won, forced out the ace of diamonds and had three diamonds, one spade, two clubs and three hearts.

ONE POINT

East needed to count to 16 (10000 in binary). He had 12 points, dummy had 11 and South had promised 16, hence West could have one point at most. Unless he had the jack of clubs, the defenders were out of business.

Instead of plugging away at spades when West can't have an entry, East must shift to a club at Trick Three. When he takes the queen of diamonds, he leads another club, and South must play low to go down only one.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q 6 H A J 5 D K J 10 7 4 C 10 7 4. Your partner opens one spade, you respond two diamonds and he bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: This problem is awkward. You have balanced pattern and enough values to invite game, but to bid 2NT with no sign of a club stopper is unappealing. Some experts would bid 2NT anyway since 3NT would be a reasonable spot opposite A K 10 8 3, K 7 6 4, A, 9 6 2. Others would try a "false preference" to two spades.

South dealer

Both sides vulnerable

NORTH