Bridge Problem 5

West /none



 K 7 2
A K J 4
10 5 3
A Q 4
?
N
W
E
S
?
Q J 9 8 6 4 3
Q 10 3
A 7
3
The contract is 6
West leads 4
Problem: How do you plan your play?
For solution go to the bottom of the page[IMAGE]











Solution:

An unkind lead, for if you play A, you cannot draw trumps right away: East will go up with the ace of spades: He will continue with a diamond and you are down already. Consequently take the first trick with A anyhow, and try to discard the losing diamond before drawing trumps. Play 3 to the queen. If that wins the trick, you can discard the losing diamond on A; next draw the trumps and you will have twelve tricks. If the club finesse fails, you are two down instead of one, but this is a small loss compared to the chance of making the slam. The four hands were as follows:
West/none



 K 7 2
A KJ 4
10 5 3
A Q 4
10
9 7 6
K J 6 4
K 8 7 5 2
N
W
E
S
 A 5
8 5 2
Q 9 8 2
J 10 9 6
Q J 9 8 6 4 3
Q 10 3
A 7
3
[IMAGE]Back to the problem at the top of the page

Back to Bridge Problems as Played at the Table
Back to Andrew's Bridge Corner