Challenge 7V57 Main Analyses

Do You Hear What I Hear?

by Richard Pavlicek

“Said the night wind to the little lamb.”

Listen carefully for a message in the air to help solve these defensive problems. Do you hear what I hear? Sharpen your senses, tune out the background noise and let the night wind be your mentor. All lambs, er, bridge players are invited to try this challenge.

On each of the six problems choose your next lead as West or East from the choices given. Each option is rated on a 1-to-10 scale based on my judgment.

In December of 2001 these problems were presented as a contest, which had 522 entrants from 89 locations. The contest is now closed, but you can still challenge yourself and find your score immediately.

Bidding is Standard American, and you use standard leads and signals. For a reference see Standard American Bridge. All players are experts, so don’t expect any sheepish plays.

The night wind is calling. Are you listening? Be a good shepherd boy and pay attention, as the answer is usually nearby if you see it — or hear it. If you do well, the Mighty King will be proud, and you might win a valuable prize.*

*Prizes include a Lamborghini Countach and four bottles of Lambrusco wine. Winners must be at least
18 years of age and have ovine genealogy. Employees of PavCo Lambskin Wear are ineligible.

Problem 1

Matchpoints None Vul	A K 7 3 Q J 4 K 3 2 9 6 4		You `West` Pass Pass	`North` 1 4	`East` Pass All Pass	`SOUTH` 1 2
Q 10 5 10 8 2 Q J 9 A J 7 3		4 South

Trick
1 W Lead
Q 2nd
2 3rd
4 4th
8

Your next lead: 5 2 J 9 A 3

Problem 2

IMPs Both Vul	A Q 9 A J 7 K 6 5 3 6 5 3		You West Dbl Pass	North 2 NT 4	East Pass All Pass	SOUTH 2 3 ¹
— K 10 8 4 Q 10 9 7 A K 10 8 2		4 South

Trick
1 W Lead
K 2nd
3 3rd
Q 4th
4
1. feature

Your next lead: K 10 4 10 A 8

Problem 3

Matchpoints None Vul	3 9 2 A K 9 5 2 A 10 8 6 3		You `West` Pass Pass Pass All Pass	`North` 2 3 3 NT	`East` Pass Pass Pass	`SOUTH` 1 2 NT¹ 3 6 NT
10 6 4 Q 7 5 3 Q 10 8 Q J 5		6 NT South

Trick
1 W
2 S
3 S Lead
3
K
2 2nd
9
5
J 3rd
10
3
6 4th
A
9
4
1. 12-14 or 18-19

Your next lead: 10 Q 5 Q 8 Q

Problem 4

IMPs N-S Vul	10 8 5 2 J 6 3 A J 10 6 8 2		`West` Pass Pass	North 1 3 NT	You `EAST` Pass Pass All Pass	South 1 2 NT
3 NT South		J 9 7 3 10 2 K 5 2 Q 9 6 4

Trick
1 W
2 S
3 N Lead
4
4
10 2nd
3
7
K 3rd
10
J
8 4th
Q
2
Q

Your next lead: 3 2 5 Q 9 4

Problem 5

Matchpoints Both Vul	A K 10 9 5 J 10 A 3 A J 6 3		West Pass	North 4	You East All Pass	SOUTH 2
4 South		Q J 7 6 3 2 A 5 Q J K 10 4

Trick
1 W
2 N Lead
8
3 2nd
A
Q 3rd
3
4 4th
4
2

Your next lead: 7 2 A 5 J 4

Problem 6

IMPs E-W Vul	K Q 9 8 K Q 10 9 4 Q 10 9 2		West Pass Pass	`North` 2 3 NT	You East Pass All Pass	`SOUTH` 1 NT¹ 2
3 NT South		6 4 2 10 8 7 4 A K 8 5 K J

Trick
1 W Lead
5 2nd
2 3rd
J 4th
3
1. 12-14

Your next lead: 6 8 4 K 5 K

Click to see how you did

Challenge 7V57 Main Analyses Scores Top Do You Hear What I Hear?