Exercise 6C47   Main


Fun with Squeezes


  by Richard Pavlicek

As South, answer each question about the play.

1.
N-S Vul
S A Q 8 5
H 5 4 3
D 5 4 3
C K J 2
Lead: H K Table
 
 
 
S K 2
H A 6 2
D A K 7 2
3 NT SouthC A Q 4 3

How many sure tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

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

What is the best play?

A. Lead clubs first
B. Lead diamonds first
C. Lead spades first

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

How many sure tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

Is it safe to give up the lead early?

What is the best play?

A. Lead the H Q from your hand
B. Lead the D 3 and finesse the nine
C. Run the clubs immediately

10 S8 D7 3 A 8 HK D9 N C

Exercise 6C47   MainTop   Fun with Squeezes

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

How many sure tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

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

What is the best play?

A. Lead all your trumps
B. Win S A-K and ruff a spade
C. Give up a club trick

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

How many sure tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

Which threat suit contains a crucial entry?

What is the best play?

A. Lead all your trumps
B. S A; club ruff; lead all your trumps
C. Win three diamonds then lead trumps

9 S9 C9 2 A 11 H9 C10 H B

Exercise 6C47   MainTop   Fun with Squeezes

5.
N-S Vul
S A 9 8 7 3
H 6 4 3 2
D
C 5 4 3 2
Lead: H J TableEast wins H A then leads H 8
 
 
 
S Q 2
H K Q
D A K 10
6 C SouthC A K Q J 10 9

How many sure tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

How many trumps do you lead immediately?

What is the best play?

A. Diamond ruff; finish trumps
B. Diamond ruff; heart ruff; finish trumps
C. Lead the S Q and let it ride

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

How many sure tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

Which threat suit contains a crucial entry?

What is the best play?

A. Run the clubs then the diamonds
B. Run the clubs then the hearts
C. Run the hearts then the clubs

11 SQ H6 3 B 11 SJ D8 D C

Exercise 6C47   MainTop   Fun with Squeezes

© 1990 Richard Pavlicek