Trump Problems

As South, answer each question. Assume no enemy bidding and standard defensive play.

1.	K Q 2
E-W vul	6 3 2
	K 9 5 2
	8 3 2
Lead: 4
	A 8 7 4
	A 8 7 5 4
	7 6 3
2 South	A

East plays the K and you brilliantly win. There goes one of your aces, so try to make the best of your other two.

Which opponent do you think has longer clubs? 

What is the best play? 

A. Cash the A then lead spades B. Lead the A and another heart C. Lead a low heart from your hand

2.	Q J 4
E-W vul	K 6 3
	A 8 5 4
	8 3 2
Lead: J
	8 5 2
	A Q 7 5 2
	K Q J 3
4 South	K

East wins the A and returns the 5 which you ruff. You lead a heart to the king, then a heart to the ace on which East plays the jack and West the 10. Curiously, the 9 remains outstanding.

Which opponent has the remaining heart? 

What is the best play? 

A. Cash the Q then lead diamonds B. Lead a spade to dummy’s jack C. Run the diamond suit

Quit

Top Trump Problems

3.	10 8 6 2
E-W vul	Q 6 2
	J 2
	A 8 6 4
Lead: K		East plays 7
	3
	K 10 9 4 3
	A K Q 10 4
4 South	Q J

West next leads the 4 to East’s ace and you ruff. You lead the 4 to the queen and ace; East returns the 5 which you ruff.

How were the enemy spades split originally? 

What is the best play? 

A. Cash the K B. Win the J then finesse the 10 C. Take the club finesse

4.	10 9 8 2
None vul	A 9 2
	9 6 5
	A 9 6
Lead: 7
	A J
	Q J 10 8 7
	3
4 South	K Q J 10 2

East wins the A and returns the 2, which you ruff. You next lead the Q which wins, then the J — bad news, West pitches a club — which you run to East’s king. East returns the 10.

Which opponent do you think has the Q? 

What is the best play? 

A. Discard the J B. Ruff then run the club suit C. Ruff then lead a heart to the ace

Quit

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5.	Q 4
None vul	8 5 3
	7 2
	A Q J 10 6 5
Lead: 5
	J 5 3
	A K Q 4 2
	A K 6 3
4 South	K

East plays the Q and you win the ace. You next lead the A (both follow) then the K on which East pitches a spade.

Which opponent do you think has the J? 

What is the best play? 

A. Cash the Q then run the club suit B. Lead the Q and another heart C. Win the K then ruff a diamond

6.	A 6
E-W vul	K Q J
	6 5 3
	J 9 7 4 3
Lead: K
	K 5 2
	10 8 7 6 5
	10
4 South	A K Q 5

West continues with the Q which you ruff (East played high-low). You lead a heart to the king which wins, then the Q on which East pitches a spade; West wins the ace and leads the J (East plays 7).

Which opponent do you think has the A? 

What is the best play? 

A. Discard the 2 B. Ruff then run the club suit C. Ruff then lead your high trump

Quit

Top Trump Problems

© 2014 Richard Pavlicek