Exercise 4S35 Main


Communication Hang-ups


 by Richard Pavlicek

As South, answer the questions about each contract. Assume E-W only passed (except #5 they bid 4 S).

1. S K 10 9 8 7
None vulH 4 3
D A J 10
C 5 3 2
Table 
Lead: D 5East plays D 3 
 
 
S Q
H A K 7 5 2
D Q 9 4
3 NT SouthC A J 9 4

Assuming the diamond finesse works, how many top tricks do you have? 

Which diamonds do you play at trick one? 

What is your lead and play at trick two? 

2. S A K Q 4 3
None vulH K
D 4 3
C A 9 6 5 4
Table 
Lead: H 5 
 
 
S 5 2
H A 9 4 2
D Q 9 8 6 2
3 NT SouthC K 2

How many top tricks do you have? 

Which two suits offer the best chance? 

What is your lead and play at trick two? 

Quit

Top Communication Hang-ups

3. S A K 8
None vulH 7 5 4 3 2
D 7 5 2
C A 3
Table 
Lead: S 3 
 
 
S Q J 10 9 7
H A J
D K 8 4
4 S SouthC K 7 2

Which spades do you play at trick one? 

What is your lead and play at trick two? 

If West wins and shifts to a club, will you win the Ace or King? 

4. S A 10 2
None vulH Q 4 3
D Q 5 2
C A J 10 4
Table 
Lead: H JNorth covers; East plays H K 
 
 
S K Q 9 8 7
H A 5
D 8 4 3
4 S SouthC Q 9 2

Do you win the first heart lead? 

What is your first lead and play in spades? 

What is your first lead and play in clubs? 

Quit

Top Communication Hang-ups

5. S 3 2
N-S vulH 9 8 7
D J 7 6
C A 7 6 5 4
Table 
Lead: S KWest continues with S A 
 
 
S 4
H A K Q J 6
D A 10 2
5 H SouthC K Q 9 8

How are the enemy clubs most likely to divide? 

In that event, how many club tricks can you win with routine play? 

What do you play on the second spade lead? 

6. S A K Q J 10
None vulH Q
D A Q J 8
C Q 5 3
Table 
Lead: D 5 
 
 
S 9
H A K 4 3 2
D 10 2
6 NT SouthC A 10 8 7 6

Which diamond do you play from dummy? 

It wins. What are your plays at trick two? 

Which card do you lead at trick three? 

Quit

Top Communication Hang-ups

© 2000 Richard Pavlicek