Mrs. Smith was dismayed as she hung up the telephone.  Mrs. Jones had car trouble and could not attend Mrs. Smith’s weekly Thursday afternoon bridge game.  The other two ladies present convinced Mrs. Smith she could substitute her son, Billy, a bright 10-year-old.

After a 15-minute bridge primer, the game began with Billy as dealer.  Billy studied his hand and bid 4♣.  After two passes, Mrs. Smith, Billy’s RHO, holding a plethora of aces and kings, doubled.  Undeterred, Billy carefully perused his hand and bid 4♦.  After two more passes, Mrs. Smith, becoming quite agitated, doubled again.  Not to be denied and after careful consideration, Billy bid 4♥.  Mrs. Smith was near the boiling point as she doubled again.

But Billy, heeding the advice of his mother to bid the shape of his hand, proudly said, “And 1♠.”