Few people are aware that Valentinus Episcopus, better known as St. Valentine, was the greatest bridge player of all time (future included) and if anyone doubts this I have proof. Archaeologists recently discovered six more clay tablets of hands played by Valentine, all fittingly in hearts, but water erosion made his plays indiscernible. Thats where you fit in! Try to determine Valentines plays to the first four tricks. And dont fret! If you butcher the play, just chalk it up to another St. Valentines Day massacre.
For each problem enter eight cards (e.g., HQ) in the order you would play them to Tricks 1-4. Routine early plays, if any, are already entered. Unless noted otherwise: (1) Assume both opponents follow suit; second hand low, third or fourth hand to their best advantage. (2) If an opponent is on lead, assume the suit they led previously is continued for the quiz, though it may not have been in ancient times.
Are you ready? Then play away!
If you take the diamond finesse, it loses.
If you play low from dummy, West leads another club (from Q-J-10-9).
Wests lead shows an odd number of diamonds. East wins the Q (or ace if you play K) and shifts to the 6.
Not much science in the bidding. Luckily you caught a suitable dummy.
West pitches a club on the first heart lead.
Partners splinter bid drove you to a difficult slam for anyone but St. Valentine.
If desired, you may submit your plays using the form below. Plays may be submitted only once, and doing so will add your name to the list of participants. You will also receive an automated reply including Richards recommended plays and the reasonings behind them.
© 2018 Richard Pavlicek