Exercise 6A41 Main

Start the Countdown!

by Richard Pavlicek

Fill in the missing North-South bids and answer each question about the play.

1. A 10 8 2 West NORTH East South
None Vul K Q 10 4
K 7 Pass
8 5 4
Table Pass Pass
Lead: K
All Pass

K J 5
A J 8 7 5
J 9 3
3 South J 7

East overtakes the K with the ace and returns the 6 to your jack and West’s queen. At trick three West shifts to the 4.

How many clubs did West probably start with?

Who likely has the Q?

Which diamond do you play from dummy?

Which opponent is likely to have longer spades?

How will you play spades?

A. Cash the K-A then lead a third spade
B. Win the A then lead the two and finesse the jack
C. Win the K then run the jack through West

Exercise 6A41 Main Top Start the Countdown!

2. K 10 9 3 West North East SOUTH
N-S Vul 8 5 4 3
10 3
K 6 4
Table 2 NT¹ 5
Lead: A
Pass All Pass

A Q J 7 6 2
A K 6
6
1. minors
5 South A J 7

West next leads the 5 to East’s king which you ruff. You win the K (both follow) and the A, on which West pitches the 4.

Based on the bidding, how are the enemy diamonds probably divided?

How many clubs did West probably start with?

…how many hearts?

Who probably has Q?

What is the best play?

A. Win the A-K, A-K then lead a club
B. Win the A-K, A-K then lead a heart
C. Give up a heart; if the hearts do not break, try the club finesse

Exercise 6A41 Main Top Start the Countdown!

3. K Q 8 4 2 West North East SOUTH
N-S Vul Q 2
A 9 8 3
7 2
Table Pass 3
Lead: K
5 Pass

A 3
A K 7 6 5 4 3
J 10 5
6 South A

You win the A and East plays the six. You next lead the 2 to your king, on which West annoyingly shows out, pitching a club.

At least, how many clubs did East start with?

What is the chance (%) that spades will break 3-3?

Which opponent will have the spade length?

Who has the Q?

What is the best play?

A. Win the A-K-Q to discard a diamond
B. Win the A-K and ruff a spade to establish the long spade
C. Win the Q, A, A, then give East his trump trick

Exercise 6A41 Main Top Start the Countdown!