Quiz 7H35 (Jan 95) by Richard Pavlicek

Slams with Endplays

As South, you are declarer in 6

on each deal. Can you find the winning play? In each case assume the missing trumps divide 2-1.

1. 6 by South

8 7 6 4
A 5
A 8 3 2
A 7 3
Lead: Q [W - E]
A K Q J 10 9
9 6
K Q 9 4
2

Answer

The only problem on this deal is a bad diamond break, and a neat endplay will ensure your success. Win the

A and ruff a club; draw the enemy trumps; cross to dummy with a heart (not a diamond!), and ruff the last club.

The key play now is to cash one top diamond in your hand, then exit with a heart. Whoever wins must lead a diamond (else give you a ruff and discard), and you simply play second hand low to guarantee picking up the diamonds. No lie of the cards can defeat you.

by South

K J 10
A K 10 9
A 4
A Q 7 5
Lead: 8 [W - E]
A Q 9 7 6 5 4
4 3
2
6 4 3

Answer

The problem here is not to rely on the club finesse, and again you can ensure your contract with the proper technique. Win the

K and draw trumps in two rounds. Next cash the

A and ruff a diamond to eliminate that suit.

West’s opening lead places East with the Q-J. You are now ready for an endplay: Lead a heart and finesse the nine which East must win — and you can claim! Whether East returns a heart, a diamond or a club, this will give you an extra trick and the contract.

by South

Q 10 8 6 4
A 10 7 4
K 3
A Q
Lead: J [W - E]
A J 9 7 5
K 9 3
A 7
K J 6

Answer

Normally, with 10 cards missing the king, the proper play is to take the finesse. In this case, however, you should refuse the 50-percent finesse in favor of an endplay that offers a greater chance. Win the

K and lead the

Q (in case East covers) but win the ace regardless.

Assuming the K does not drop, cash the A and win all the clubs (overtaking the Q) before exiting with a trump. Whoever wins must lead a heart — then you will make your contract whenever the Q-J are in different hands.

Return to Main

	8 7 6 4 A 5 A 8 3 2 A 7 3
Lead: Q
	A K Q J 10 9 9 6 K Q 9 4 2

	K J 10 A K 10 9 A 4 A Q 7 5
Lead: 8
	A Q 9 7 6 5 4 4 3 2 6 4 3

	Q 10 8 6 4 A 10 7 4 K 3 A Q
Lead: J
	A J 9 7 5 K 9 3 A 7 K J 6