Exercise 6B29   Main

Beat the Field

by Richard Pavlicek

As South, answer each question about the play. Assume you are playing
in a matchpoint pairs event, and your opponents passed throughout.

1. None Vul	A 2 A J 4 J 9 7 4 2 A K J			West Pass All Pass	NORTH 1 3	East Pass Pass	South 1 4
Lead: 3
	K 8
	K 10 9 7
	10 8 3
4 South	Q 10 9 7

How many top tricks?

What contract will most pairs reach?

Which opponent will they finesse for the Q?

What is the best play?

A. Cash the A-K
B. Win the A then run the jack
C. Lead the 10 and let it ride

2. None Vul	10 6 3 K Q J 10 9 8 Q 4 5 3			West Pass All Pass	North 4 1	East Pass	SOUTH 1 NT 4
Lead: 6			Hearts split 3-1
	J 5 4			1. Texas transfer bid
	A 3 2
	K J 5
4 South	A Q 10 4

How many top tricks?

Which two cards must East have to make legitimately?

How many more trumps will you lead right away?

What is the best play?

A. Lead the 3 and finesse the ten
B. Lead the 3 and finesse the queen
C. Lead the 4 and play the king

Exercise 6B29   Main

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3. None Vul	K 7 2 A K 4 A 4 3 J 6 5 3			West Pass Pass	North 2 NT 4	East Pass All Pass	SOUTH 1 3 NT
Lead: 3
	A Q J 9 8
	J 5
	K Q 7
4 South	10 7 2

How many top tricks?

Is there a better contract than yours? If so, what?

Which contract will most pairs reach?

What is the best play?

A. Duck the heart lead to your jack
B. Win the K and lead a club
C. Win the K and draw trumps

4. None Vul	A K J 3 2 4 2 6 4 3 A 6 2			West Pass All Pass	North 3	East Pass	SOUTH 1 4
Lead: Q
	Q 8 7 6 5
	A K J
	A
4 South	7 5 4 3

How many top tricks?

How many tricks can you easily gain by ruffing?

Will you win the first or second club lead? (1 2)

What is the best play?

A. Draw trumps; ruff J in dummy
B. Draw trumps; finesse the J
C. Ruff out diamonds; lead all trumps

Exercise 6B29   Main

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5. None Vul	A K 5 4 4 2 3 2 A J 8 7 4			West Pass Pass	North 2 3 NT	East Pass All Pass	SOUTH 1 NT 2
Lead: Q			East plays 7
	6 3 2
	A 8 6
	A K Q 7
3 NT South	K 10 2

How many top tricks?

How many total tricks could you win if lucky?

Has either opponent shown longer hearts? If so, who?

What is the best play?

A. Win the first heart
B. Win the second heart
C. Win the third heart

6. None Vul	K 9 3 8 5 J 10 8 6 5 A 5 4			West Pass Pass Pass All Pass	North 2 4 5	East Pass Pass Pass	SOUTH 1 3 4 6
Lead: 8			East plays 4
	A Q J 10 2
	A
	A Q 9 7
6 South	J 10 2

How many top tricks?

What contract will most pairs reach?

Is your contract Better or Worse? (B W)

What is the best play?

A. Lead the J to your ace
B. Lead the J and let it ride
C. Win the A and lead a low diamond

Exercise 6B29   Main

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© 2007 Richard Pavlicek