Declarer’s play at bridge is not unlike a football quarterback going through his progressions to find an open receiver.
This month’s hand demonstrates the mental checklist a declarer can go through.
| The Bidding: | N | E | S | W |
| pass | pass | 2C | pass | |
| 2D(WTG) | pass | 3C | pass | |
| 3D | pass | 3S | pass | |
| 4C | pass | 5C | pass | |
| pass | pass |
Opening lead: ♠J
Cover the East/West hands and see if you can
make the contract.
NORTH
♠ 6 5 2
♥ K 8 6
♦ 7 5 4 2
♣ 9 8 7
WEST
♠ J 10 9 8
♥ 9 7 3 2
♦ K J 9 3
♣ 5 3
EAST
♠ 4 3
♥ Q J 10
♦ A Q 10 8 3
♣ 6 4 2
SOUTH
♠ A K Q 7
♥ A 5 4
♦ 6
♣ A K Q J 10
The ♠ jack is led and South declarer wins in hand. Declarer went through his progressions:
1. If ♠s are three/three, there are 11 tricks, (4♠, 2♥, 5♣) which is not likely since West led the spade jack.
2. The long trump could be in the West hand with the spades. Good chance, even with five ♠s being with West, declarer’s fourth ♠ could be trumped in dummy.
3. Declarer’s third ‘read’ combines both chances and adds an extra option to the winner’s line. Declarer needs to cash two ♣s (leaving one trump outstanding) and a
second spade. If east has three trumps, so declarer can make the hand by crossing to the ♥ king and leading the third ♠. If East trumps, South plays his losing ♠. Declarer wins the ♥ return with the ace. Declarer now plays the last high ♠ and discards a ♥ from dummys 11th trick (3s, 2h, 1 ruff, 5c). He then trumps his third ♥.
If East does not trump, declarer plays high ♠ and trumps last ♠ with high ♣ in dummy. A ♥ to the ace and a high trump draws last trump, 11 tricks. (3♠, 1 ruff, 2♥, 5♣)
Touchdown!
[tip of the day]
Q. Why do the ‘expert’ players make their
contracts more often than we mere mortals
A. The ‘experts’ are able to expand their
thinking to enhance the chance of making their
contracts more often. Making difficult hands is
the progeny of experience and due diligence.
By Kenneth Bland
Photo By Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton
Do you have a good bridge tip? Email kennethmbland@yahoo.com.
