Bridge

Dear Mr. Wolff: Did you hear about the fellow who was such a smooth player he could land a grand slam via an endplay? Seriously, has anyone ever achieved an equivalent feat? – Hocus-Pocus, Pottsville, Pa.

Answer: Some 20 years ago a London declarer in a hopeless grand slam followed the time-honored practice of shifting from one suit to another, hoping for a revoke. His RHO duly obliged by ruffing in on a side-suit winner. Declarer overruffed, but now went three down – adjusted to one down. Had declarer discarded on the revoke trick, he would have escaped for two down – and made his slam. Incidentally, I’ve taken 13 tricks on a deal missing the trump ace.

Dear Mr. Wolff: With ♠ A-7-2, ♥ A-2, ♦ A-J, ♣ Q-10-8-4-3-2, I overcalled two clubs over one spade, and when two spades came back to me, I bid three clubs, expecting short spades opposite. Alas, partner had only one club. I was doubled and set 500. Was my bid so absurd? Partner seemed to think so. – Aggressive, San Francisco

Answer: Your inference was a valid one, but your club suit was rather weak for your action. Nonetheless, facing a timid partner, I can understand your doing what you did. I’ve made worse calls and gotten away with them.

Dear Mr. Wolff: What is the best way for defenders to use trumps for signaling? I know there are a few methods. – Signal Corps, Raleigh, N.C.

Answer: I’m glad you asked me this. I’ve come around from a position where I used to echo to show a desire to ruff, to something equally simple but far more effective. All trump signals are suit preference. You can still signal a desire to ruff, but you also get to convey other useful messages. The default is to play up the line.

Dear Mr. Wolff: When should honors be declared? I maintain that they are declared when the hand is finished. Another player believes that they must be declared as soon as the dummy hand hits the table. – Honor Bright, Houston

Answer: Your challenger is totally wrong. Not only do they not have to be declared till the end of the hand, but it would be absurd to tip the opponents off to your trumps before the hand is over or you have played out the relevant cards. They need only to be claimed before the start of the next deal.

Dear Mr. Wolff: With ♠ Q-4-2, ♥ K-3, ♦ A-J-9-6-5-3, ♣ J-2, would you open two diamonds, one diamond, or pass in first chair? And would your position change at different seats or vulnerabilities? – Scale Diagram, Twin Falls, Idaho

Answer: I would pre-empt only in fourth chair (when I have a classic weak-two) or perhaps in third seat as a way to up the ante against vulnerable opponents. The hand has enough to open at the one-level (11 points and a six-card suit). Incidentally, passing here would be a mistake.