Challenge 7V65 MainAnalyses


Leading for the Gold


Scores by Richard Pavlicek

Oh! How I long for the splendor of winter sports — the breathtaking ski jumps; the thrilling bobsled runs; the emotional finals in ladies figure skating; and, of course, the greatest spectacle of all, Paul Soloway on opening lead. That’s right, folks. Bridge is now recognized as a sport and may soon become an official medal competition in the Winter Olympics. Incredible. Not only is bridge a sport, but it’s a winter sport.

Hello-o-o? Am I alone in finding this ridiculous? By any logical reasoning, a sport is a physical activity, so bridge is no more a sport than knitting or collecting stamps. Nonetheless, what I believe has no bearing on the powers that be. Further, living in Florida puts me at a great disadvantage, so I will move to Alaska to prepare for the 2006 Winter Games. Rest assured; I will never go down in an ice-cold contract again!

While millions (billions?) had their eyes on the Salt Lake Winter Games in February of 2002, these problems were presented as a contest with a mere 754 entrants from 102 locations.

The contest is now closed, but you can still challenge yourself and find your score immediately. As West, choose your opening lead from the options offered. Each option is rated on a 1-to-10 scale per my judgment.

Bidding is standard (except as noted) and you use standard leads and signals.
For a reference see Standard American Bridge. Assume all players are experts.

So, what are you waiting for? Warm up your leading arm and aim for the gold! You might win a valuable prize.*

*Prizes include a pair of gold figure skates, a sterling silver Olympic torch, and a bronzed Jamaican bobsled.
Winners must meet eligibility requirements of at least 18 years of age and a resident of Antarctica.
Employees of PavCo-on-Ice and their immediate families are ineligible.

Problem 1

IMPs
 
N-S Vul West

Pass
All Pass
NORTH
Pass
2 NT
East
Pass
Pass
South
1 NT
3 NT
S 10 8 4 2
H A 10 9 3
D 9 8
C Q J 4
Table
3 NT South

Your lead? SSH 10  HDC Q

Problem 2

IMPs
 
E-W Vul West

1 S
All Pass
North

3 C1
East

Pass
SOUTH
1 C
3 NT
S K J 10 6 5
H J 10 8 4
D A K 3
C 4
Table
3 NT South1. limit raise

Your lead? SSSHHD K

Problem 3

IMPs
 
Both Vul West

Pass
Pass
North

2 H
4 H
East

Pass
All Pass
SOUTH
1 H
3 H
S J 3
H K 7 2
D A J 8 6 4
C 8 6 4
Table
4 H South

Your lead? SSHDDC 4

Problem 4

IMPs
 
None Vul West

Pass
Pass
North

2 C
4 H
EAST
Pass
Pass
All Pass
South
1 NT
2 H
S K J 10 4
H 5
D Q 9 8 2
C J 10 4 3
Table
4 H South

Your lead? SHDDCC 3

Problem 5

IMPs
 
N-S Vul West

Pass
Pass
NORTH
1 NT
2 D
4 S
East
Pass
Pass
All Pass
South
2 C
3 S
S J 7 4
H J 10 2
D Q J 6 3
C A 7 5
Table
4 S South

Your lead? SHDDCC 5

Problem 6

IMPs
 
Both Vul West

Pass
Pass
Pass
All Pass
NORTH
2 H
3 D2
4 S
5 D
East
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
South
2 NT1
3 S
4 NT
6 S
S A 7 2
H 4
D K J 9 5 4 3
C 10 9 2
Table
6 S South1. artificial force
2. feature

Your lead? SHDDDC 10

 Click to see how you did

Challenge 7V65 MainAnalysesScoresTop Leading for the Gold

© 2002 Richard Pavlicek