Exercise 4T35   Main


A Matter of Timing


  by Richard Pavlicek

As South, answer each question about the play.

1.
Both Vul
S A Q 9 2
H 6 3
D A 9 6 5 2
C 4 2
Lead: H J Table
 
 
 
S K 10 6 4
H A 9
D 4 3
4 S SouthC K Q 7 6 5

Will you win the first trick?

After winning the H A, what are your plays at the next trick?

What are your plays at the next trick?

Assuming that wins, what next?

Then what do you lead?

2.
None Vul
S 4 3 2
H A Q J
D K 2
C K 7 6 5 2
Lead: H 10 TableEast plays H 4
 
 
 
S 10 9 5
H K 5 2
D A Q 4 3
3 NT SouthC A 9 4

Which suit is the only hope to establish a ninth trick?

If you do this, how many tricks can E-W win?

Is there a squeeze chance? If so, which two suits?

Which hearts do you play at trick one?

What will you lead next?

Exercise 4T35   MainTop   A Matter of Timing

3.
None Vul
S 6 5 4 3
H J 5 4 3 2
D A 2
C 5 2
Lead: H K Table
 
 
 
S Q
H A
D K Q 5 4 3
5 C SouthC A K 8 6 4 3

What is the most likely club break?

What is the most likely diamond break?

Will you attempt to ruff a diamond?

How many top trumps will you cash right away?

What will you lead next?

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

Which suit offers the best chance for a 12th trick?

Is there a squeeze chance? If so, which two suits?

Which suit has the most precious entry?

Which heart will you win at trick one?

What will you lead next?

Exercise 4T35   MainTop   A Matter of Timing

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

Which suit offers the best chance to succeed?

Which two suits should E-W lead to foil this?

Which suit offers a chance for a profitable ruff?

Which suit should E-W lead to foil this?

Trick two plays?

6.
None Vul
S 8 5 4
H A 7 2
D A Q 7 5
C 9 4 3
Lead: H J TableEast plays H 5
 
 
 
S A 2
H K 8 6 4 3
D J 4 2
3 NT SouthC A K 5

If hearts split 3-2, will this give you enough tricks?

From which other suit can you get an extra trick?

Does East’s play ask for a heart continuation?

Which hearts do you play at trick one?

Can West read East’s signal?

Exercise 4T35   MainTop   A Matter of Timing

© 1996 Richard Pavlicek