BRIDGE

Neither vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x Q 8 6
u 8 5 4
v A K J 9
w A Q J
WEST EAST
x A K 9 7 4 x 10 5 3
u 2 u A K
v 8 3 2 v 10 5 4
w 9 8 6 2 w 10 7 5 4 3
SOUTH
x J 2
u Q J 10 9 7 6 3
v Q 7 6
w K
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
3u Pass 4u Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: King of x
When following to partner's opening lead, the most popular practice is to indicate how you feel about partner's lead. You play a high card if you like the lead, a low card to discourage continuation. This is called an "attitude" signal. But that can, on occasion, cause a problem for partner.
South has a borderline three-heart pre-empt, but most players would opt for that. No one will quibble with North's raise to game.
West led the king of spades and East dutifully discouraged with the three. Afraid that the ace of spades might get ruffed, West shifted to a club -- a very inviting play. Declarer won with the ace in dummy, discarded a spade on the queen of clubs and conceded two trump tricks to claim the game.
East can see that there are no minor-suit tricks available to the defense. The only hope of defeating the contract is to collect two spade tricks in addition to the ace-king of hearts. East should, therefore, signal encouragement by following with the ten of spades at trick two. West will continue with the ace and another, and for a few moments might be unhappy when declarer discards on the queen of spades, but will be delighted with the final result.
XThis column is written by Tannah Hirsch and Omar Sharif. For information about Charles Goren's newsletter for bridge players, call (800) 788-1225 or write Goren Bridge Letter, P.O. Box 4410, Chicago, Ill. 60680
& copy;2004 Tribune Media Services