Challenge 8X09 Main Analyses

Let Your Heart Be Light

Scores  by Richard Pavlicek

“Here we are, as in olden days, happy golden days, of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us, once more.”

Yes, that’s a pretty Christmas song — except maybe the line “Make the yuletide gay,” which could use an update. Regardless of faith, however, I think we all agree there is too much hatred in the world today. Too many heavy hearts. The solution may be for people to lighten up a little; laugh at the enemy instead of killing them. Live and let live.

While the world crisis is difficult to change, being light with your heart(s) is sure to help with these defensive problems. In each case, partner leads the K and you hold the ace. Do you signal? Or overtake? (In all cases South follows with the 4.) As East, choose your defense from the options listed. Each option will be rated on a 1-to-10 scale per my judgment.

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

In December 2004 these problems were presented as a contest with 1040 entrants from 116 locations around the world. The contest is closed, but you can still quiz yourself and find your score immediately. If you’re lucky, you might even win a valuable prize.*

*Prizes include a fully decorated 20-ft. scotch pine, and a case of figgy pudding (if I ever figure out what that is). Winners must be
at least 18 years of age, named Nicholas, and be ordained Catholic saints. Employees of Saint PavCo Inc. are ineligible.

Are you ready to hang a shining star upon the highest bough? Then try this quiz, and from now on, your troubles will be miles away.

Problem 1

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

Your defense?

A. Play the Q
B. Play the 7
C. Play the 2
D. Overtake; lead Q
E. Overtake; lead 10
F. Overtake; lead 4

Problem 2

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

Your defense?

1. both majors

A. Play the 2
B. Overtake; lead J
C. Overtake; lead 2
D. Overtake; lead 2
E. Overtake; lead J
F. Overtake; lead Q

Problem 3

IMPs None Vul 4 × South	Q J 9 4 3 A 5 K Q J 9 5 2		WEST 2 Pass	North Dbl Pass	You East 4 Dbl	South 4 All Pass
Lead: K		A 6 5 3 A 10 9 K Q 8 6 2 4

Your defense?

A. Play the 10
B. Play the 9
C. Overtake; lead 10
D. Overtake; lead K
E. Overtake; lead 6
F. Overtake; lead 4

Problem 4

IMPs E-W Vul 4 South	A 4 3 9 8 2 Q J 10 A 10 9 2		West 3	North 4	You EAST 1 NT All Pass	South 2
Lead: K		K 6 5 A J 5 K 9 7 3 K Q 5

Your defense?

A. Play the J
B. Play the 5
C. Overtake; lead 5
D. Overtake; lead J
E. Overtake; lead 5
F. Overtake; lead 3

Problem 5

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

Your defense?

A. Play the J
B. Play the 8
C. Play the 2
D. Overtake; lead 10
E. Overtake; lead 3
F. Overtake; lead 9

Problem 6

IMPs Both Vul 6 South	A 4 9 6 5 2 A K 8 5 2 A 6		West Pass Pass Pass All Pass	North 2 2 NT1 5	You East Pass Pass Pass	SOUTH 1 2 4 6
Lead: K		7 6 A J 8 7 3 J 9 4 10 9 2

Your defense?

1. game force

A. Play the J
B. Play the 8
C. Play the 3
D. Overtake; lead 6
E. Overtake; lead 4
F. Overtake; lead 10

 Click to see how you did

Challenge 8X09 Main Analyses

Scores Top Let Your Heart Be Light

Credits to Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, composers of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
© 2004 Richard Pavlicek