Edsger Dijkstra, a Dutch computer scientist, said, "The traditional mathematician recognizes and appreciates mathematical elegance when he sees it. I propose to go one step further and to consider elegance an essential ingredient of mathematics: If it is clumsy, it is not mathematics."

There are bridge deals in which clumsy play survives, despite what the mathematicians claim, because the cards forgive -- but not always. In today's deal, South is in six no-trump. What should he do after West leads the diamond nine?

I like North's two-heart response. As long as there isn't a misfit, it is likely to be a slam deal. By giving an immediate positive, both partners are on the same page. If North starts with two diamonds "waiting," South cannot assume North has such a good suit. Four no-trump is Roman Key Card Blackwood, North showing two key cards (the heart ace and king) and denying the heart queen.

South starts with 11 top tricks. There are two chances for an extra winner: a 3-2 heart break and East's having at least one spade honor.

If the hearts are 3-2, declarer can duck the first round of the suit, then run the rest. The mathematicians will tell you that the a priori chance is 67.8 percent.

Alternatively, South can cross to dummy twice in hearts and take two spade finesses. The chances this time are 76 percent, so that is the better approach -- and I can fix a deal as well as anyone to prove my point!

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