Trumped-up Charges

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

1.	5 2
None vul	K 6 4
	A K Q J 7 6
	3 2
Lead: Q		East plays 3
	K Q 7
	A 8 7 5 2
	8 3
4 South	A K 4

You win the A then lead a heart to the king, on which East discards the 3.

How many hearts did West start with? 

What is the best play? 

A. Lead high diamonds until West ruffs B. Lead another trump C. Lead a spade to your king

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

At trick two East leads the 4, you ruff low and West plays the 3.

Which two suits must you establish to succeed? 

What is the best play? 

A. Lead trumps twice then lead diamonds B. Lead trumps twice then lead clubs C. Draw three rounds of trumps

Quit

Top Trumped-up Charges

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

You win the first trick with the K.

How many top tricks if trumps break 3-2? 

What is the best play? 

A. Lead the A and another heart B. Lead the 2; later cash the A C. Duck two rounds of trumps

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

West continues with the Q and you ruff. You cash the A and West pitches a club.

How many spades did East start with? 

What is the best play? 

A. Cash one diamond then lead hearts B. Cash two diamonds then lead hearts C. Cash one trump then lead hearts

Quit

Top Trumped-up Charges

5.	7 6 4 3
Both vul	A 10 7
	9 6 4
	K 4 3
Lead: K		East plays 10
	J
	K J 9 8 2
	A K 3
4 South	A Q 5 2

At trick two West leads the 2 to East’s ace and you ruff.

How many top tricks assuming a trump loser? 

What is the best play? 

A. Win the A then finesse thru East B. Win the K then finesse thru West C. Win the K and A

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

At trick two West leads the 6 to East’s ace.

How many top tricks if diamonds break 3-2? 

What is the best play? 

A. Ruff and lead diamonds B. Ruff and draw three rounds of trumps C. Discard a heart

Quit

Top Trumped-up Charges

© 1990 Richard Pavlicek