Here's a Tollemache (teams) declarer play problem. East is dealer and Passes. You quickly reach 4 after a 1NT opener (12-14), Stayman, 2 and 4.
What's the best way to secure the contract on a Jack of Diamonds lead?
YOU SHOULD WIN TAKE THE SPADE FINESSE TWICE AND GET THE BAD NEWS THEN KNOCK OUT THE CLUB ACE.THEY CANT TAKE THEIR DIAMOND AND GIVE A RUFF AND DISCARD BUT IF THEY JUST EXIT IN CLUBS WE MUST DO A SCISSORS COUP AND EXIT WITH A DIAMOND OURSELVES.THE LIKELY OUTCOME IS THAT THEY CASH A DIAMOND AND EXIT A CLUB.WE CAN CATER FOR A SINGLETON HEART IN THE WEST HAND NOW BY TAKING A FIRST ROUND HEART FINESSE AND THIS LINE ONLY LOSES WHEN WEST HAS A STIFF QUEEN WHICH IS LESS LIKELY THEN STIFF SMALL CARD.NOTICE IT IS WRONG TO CASH THE HEART ACE FIRST ON THIS LAYOUT.
I don't see a way to go messing around here. I'm just playing HA, heart to the J.
Is the title referring to the best play for three tricks in the heart suit? I think that's to start by cashing the king, picking up singleton 9 or T with East.
But there's no way to find out how many tricks you need in hearts without risking a ruff. So you just need to play trumps the normal way.
YOU SHOULD WIN TAKE THE SPADE FINESSE TWICE AND GET THE BAD NEWS THEN KNOCK OUT THE CLUB ACE.THEY CANT TAKE THEIR DIAMOND AND GIVE A RUFF AND DISCARD BUT IF THEY JUST EXIT IN CLUBS WE MUST DO A SCISSORS COUP AND EXIT WITH A DIAMOND OURSELVES.THE LIKELY OUTCOME IS THAT THEY CASH A DIAMOND AND EXIT A CLUB.WE CAN CATER FOR A SINGLETON HEART IN THE WEST HAND NOW BY TAKING A FIRST ROUND HEART FINESSE AND THIS LINE ONLY LOSES WHEN WEST HAS A STIFF QUEEN WHICH IS LESS LIKELY THEN STIFF SMALL CARD.NOTICE IT IS WRONG TO CASH THE HEART ACE FIRST ON THIS LAYOUT.
ReplyDeleteI don't see a way to go messing around here. I'm just playing HA, heart to the J.
ReplyDeleteIs the title referring to the best play for three tricks in the heart suit? I think that's to start by cashing the king, picking up singleton 9 or T with East.
But there's no way to find out how many tricks you need in hearts without risking a ruff. So you just need to play trumps the normal way.
I agree, though you may want to keep a low heart for communication (not necessary in this hand as the club ace is onside).
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