Exercise 6C53 Main

Squeeze the Trigger

by Richard Pavlicek

As South, answer each question about the play. Assume you are playing in a
matchpoint pairs event, and your opponents did not bid unless stated.

1. K J 9 4
None vul A K 2
10 4 2
A 5 2
Table
Lead: K

A Q 5
10 4 3
A 5 3
3 NT South K Q J 4

How many top tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

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

What is your plan?
A. Run the spades then the clubs
B. Run the clubs then the spades
C. Lead the 10 and let it ride

2. K 8 4 3
None vul 10 4 3
4 3
A 5 4 3
Table
Lead: J Trumps split 3-2

A
A K Q J 9
J 5 2
4 South K 8 6 2

How many top tricks?

In which suit can you gain a trick by ruffing?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

How would you begin?
A. Duck a club
B. Lead a diamond
C. Cash one trump then lead a diamond

Quit
Top Squeeze the Trigger

3. Q 3
None vul J 4 2
8 5 3 2
A 10 4 3
Table
Lead: K West continues with A, Q

A K J 10 9 8
5 3
K Q
4 South K 9 2

How many top tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

After ruffing third heart, what will you lead?

What is your plan?
A. Lead all your trumps
B. Ruff one diamond then lead trumps
C. Lead the 2 and finesse the ten

4. 9 6 3 2
None vul A 4 3
A 10 7
K 10 8
Table
Lead: K West opened the bidding 1

J
J 6 2
K Q 2
5 South A Q J 7 4 3

How many top tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

West leads K at trick two. Do you win the ace?

What is your plan?
A. Ruff one spade then finish trumps
B. Ruff two spades then finish trumps
C. Ruff three spades

Quit
Top Squeeze the Trigger

5. A 3
None vul Q 4 3
A Q J 6 5
10 4 2
Table
Lead: K Trumps split 2-1

K Q 7 2
A
K 10 9 8 7
6 South A J 5

How many top tricks?

Which suit provides two more tricks by ruffing?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

How would you begin?
A. Duck the opening lead
B. Win the A and draw trumps
C. Win the A and cash the A

6. A 7
None vul 9 7 3
J 5 4 3
A Q J 7
Table
Lead: J Clubs split 3-2

K Q 3
A K 6 2
A K
6 NT South K 6 4 3

How many top tricks?

Which cards are your threats? (suit order)

How many clubs can you afford to lead early?

What is your plan?
A. Duck a heart
B. Win the A then duck a heart
C. Win the A-K then call Richard

Quit
Top Squeeze the Trigger