Beat the Field

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

1.	A 2
None vul	A J 4
	J 9 7 4 2
	A K J
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.	10 6 3
None vul	K Q J 10 9 8
	Q 4
	5 3
Lead: 6		Hearts split 3-1
	J 5 4
	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

Quit

Top Beat the Field

3.	K 7 2
None vul	A K 4
	A 4 3
	J 6 5 3
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.	A K J 3 2
None vul	4 2
	6 4 3
	A 6 2
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

Quit

Top Beat the Field

5.	A K 5 4
None vul	4 2
	3 2
	A J 8 7 4
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.	K 9 3
None vul	8 5
	J 10 8 6 5
	A 5 4
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

Quit

Top Beat the Field

© 2007 Richard Pavlicek