Do you look carefully before you leap into the play?Here’s a chance to find out one way or the other!As South, answer each question about the play.
How many top tricks do you have in spades?
…in hearts?
…in diamonds?
…in clubs?
How many additional tricks do you need to make your contract?
How many additional tricks are possible in spades?
Which spade do you play from dummy at trick one?
Which suit do you plan to work on first to obtain additional tricks?
Quit
Which club do you play from dummy at trick one?
Which heart do you play from dummy at trick one?
Now we’ll find out if you looked first — or just leaped out of bounds!
After East wins the K at trick one, your Q is promoted into a winner for your sixth trick. Even though the Q loses to West’s king, the J is promoted for your seventh trick. Note the importance of not leading hearts early, as the K is an essential entry to your hand to reach the A (after winning the J).
Against a suit contract, it is rare for a defender to underlead an ace on the opening lead, so your best chance for a club trick is to play low from dummy. No luck, as East wins two fast tricks. Note the importance of drawing only two trumps to leave the K in dummy as an entry to reach the two established diamonds. If West instead ducked the K, that is a ninth trick; then you can set up a long spade as your 10th trick.
On a good day, the J would win the first trick, instantly providing a ninth trick. Not today, as East covers with the queen, and you win the ace (ducking is OK, too, but unlikely to help). When both opponents follow to two diamonds, the contract is easily made — with an overtrick — by conceding a diamond to establish your 8-7.
© 1994 Richard Pavlicek
by Richard Pavlicek by Richard Pavlicek