A bad habit is like a big, plush sofa: easy to fall into, harder to get out of. Too many players have the habit of plunging ahead before giving the play due consideration.

In today’s deal, West led the five of hearts against 3NT, and two seconds after declarer saw dummy, he called for the queen. East took the king and returned a heart to the ace. South then let the eight of clubs ride, but West won and cashed the J-10 and his last heart. Down one.

SEQUENCE

South needed to do something about his habits. He is at risk only if West has five hearts plus an entry. But if West held K-J-10-5-3, he surely would lead the jack, the top card in his partial sequence. So if West had five hearts, East had at least one honor.

South must put up dummy’s ace on the first heart, then finesse in clubs. As the cards lie, he makes the contract. But if West had led a heart from K-10-6-5-3, South would still be safe; the hearts would be blocked, and the defense could win at most four tricks.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ K6432 ♥ A Q ♦ 9 8 4 ♣ Q 8 7. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and he rebids two hearts.

What do you say?

ANSWER: This situation is uneasy. Your partner promises six or more hearts; he would never be compelled to rebid a five-card heart suit here. In theory, you have enough strength to invite game, but your hand is full of losers. Raise to three hearts if your side is vulnerable. If not, I would accept either a raise or a timid pass.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable