Exercise 6B41   Main


Matchpoint Madness


  by Richard Pavlicek

As South, assume your side is nonvulnerable at matchpoint duplicate bridge.

1.
None Vul
S 9 5
H A Q J 10 9 2
D 8 5
C 6 4 3
Lead: S 4 TableEast plays S Q
 
 
 
S A 8 6
H K 3
D A 7 2
3 NT SouthC A Q J 10 2

What is the normal contract?

What is the normal score if the club finesse loses?

On which round do you win the S A? (1 2 3)

What is your best play?

A. Cash your top tricks
B. Lead H 3 to queen then finesse clubs
C. Run the hearts then finesse clubs

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

What is the normal contract?

Do you Win the first trick or Duck? (W D)

What is your likely score if you establish clubs?

What is your best play?

A. Cash the top spades
B. Lead the S 3 and finesse the jack
C. Lead a club to the king

Exercise 6B41   MainTop   Matchpoint Madness

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

What is the normal contract?

What is its normal score if played safely?

What are your spade plays at trick one?

What is your best play?

A. Cash your top tricks
B. Lead the H 2 to the king
C. Lead the D 3 and finesse the queen

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

What is the normal contract?

What would be its score with normal suit breaks?

Is your contract Better or Worse? (B W)

What is your best play?

A. Duck the opening lead
B. Win the D K and draw trumps
C. Win the D K and lead a spade

Exercise 6B41   MainTop   Matchpoint Madness

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

What is the normal contract?

What is its normal score if played safely?

Do you Win the first trick or Duck? (W D)

What is your best play?

A. Take your sure tricks
B. Lead all the trumps; finesse H Q
C. Lead all trumps; D A; finesse H Q

6.
N-S Vul
S A Q 10
H J 10 3
D K Q J
C K 7 6 2
Lead: D 5 Table
 
 
 
S K 7 2
H K Q 8
D A 9
6 C SouthC A J 8 5 3

What is the normal contract?

What is its normal score if the club suit runs?

With nine cards missing the queen, is a finesse normal?

What is your best play?

A. Cash the C K then the C A
B. Cash the C K then finesse the jack
C. Cash the C A then lead the jack

Exercise 6B41   MainTop   Matchpoint Madness

© 1994 Richard Pavlicek