Challenge 8Y01 Main Analyses

Diamonds in the Ruff

by Richard Pavlicek

How sweet it is! On October 29, I discovered a rough diamond of 427 carats in my backyard. Gemology tests verified it to be ideal grade and 70-percent flawless under 15-times magnification. Excavation in the area unearthed similar specimens, and experts feel I may be sitting on the richest diamond field since the Jwaneng Mine in Botswana.

Word spread quickly, and police had to cordon off my property to keep out trespassers as high-tech security fences were being installed. I founded a new corporation, PavCo Diamonds, to oversee production, which is scheduled to begin in December. I plan to do my own cutting and contacted Royal Asscher of Amsterdam to order their finest set of cleavers.*

*I have a lot of experience in this area, as I grew up watching Beaver Cleaver, and I was a faithful ‘mouseketeer’ into my teens thanks to the cleavage of Annette Funicello.

My serendipity can be yours, too! I need miners to continue the excavation, so this is your chance to apply for a lucrative job. On each of these six problems, you are declarer and face a task that involves diamonds in the rough… I mean ruff. As South, simply choose your play from Options A-F listed. Each option will be rated on a 1-to-10 scale per my judgment.

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

In January 2007 these six problems were presented as a contest with 1269 entrants from 117 locations. The contest is closed, but you can still quiz yourself and find your score immediately. If you’re lucky, you might win a sparkling new career as a PavCo miner.*

*Top 10 scorers will be flown to Fort Lauderdale for a 30-day tryout. Those who excel will be hired permanently if mutually agreed.
Winners must be at least 18 years of age. Offer void where prohibited by law or where such prohibitions do not exist.

So grab a shovel and start digging up the carat patch. You might even discover some riches of your own.

Problem 1

IMPs Both Vul	10 A 9 5 A K Q 8 3 A 5 4 2		WEST 1 Pass Pass	North 1 2 NT 4	East Pass Pass All Pass	South 1 3
Lead: 10		East plays J
4 South	K J 9 8 5 4 J 4 7 5 4 2 Q

After winning the A, what next?
A. Lead 10 to king
B. Lead 10 to jack
C. Lead 10 and run it
D. Lead the 5
E. Win A, ruff a club
F. Lead the 2

Problem 2

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

Your play?
A. Win A, lead Q
B. Win A, A, lead Q
C. Win A, A, lead J
D. Win A, lead J
E. Win K, lead 4
F. Win K, lead 5

Problem 3

IMPs N-S Vul	8 6 3 2 A Q 10 A 2 A 8 6 3		`WEST` 2 Pass	North Dbl Pass	`East` 4 Pass	South 6
Lead: Q		East plays 4
6 South	A K J 8 7 4 2 K 7 6 5 3 2

After winning the A, what next?
A. Win A, K
B. Win A, lead 5
C. Win A, lead 2 to king
D. Win A, lead 2 and duck if East follows
E. Lead 2 to king
F. Lead 2 and duck if East follows

Problem 4

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

You play the Q but overtake with the K to lead the Q (West plays 3). Your play?
A. Win A, K, finesse J
B. Win A, K, A
C. Win A, lead 8
D. Win A, lead 7
E. Win A, finesse J
F. Run the Q

Problem 5

IMPs E-W Vul	K Q J 9 3 2 K Q 10 9 8 6 2		West Pass Pass All Pass	`NORTH` Pass 2 3	East Pass Pass Pass	`South` 1 2 4
Lead: 2		East plays 4
4 South	A 9 8 6 5 4 A J 3 A J 5 3

After winning the K, what next?
A. Win A, lead J
B. Win A, lead 3
C. Lead the Q
D. Lead the 8
E. Finesse the J
F. Duck a club

Note: If you lead a club, East plays the 7.

Problem 6

IMPs None Vul	8 5 A 5 2 K J 8 5 3 A Q 4		`West` 1 Pass	`North` 2 4	`EAST` Pass 3 ¹ All Pass	`South` 1 Pass
Lead: K		East plays 6
4 South	A 7 K J 9 7 3 Q 6 4 K 9 5		1. weak

You win the A and lead the 3, West pitches 3, to the A. What next?
A. Lead the 8
B. Finesse 7, lead 7
C. Finesse 7, lead 4
D. Finesse 7, win Q, finesse 9
E. Lead the 3
F. Win K, A-Q

Click to see how you did

Challenge 8Y01 Main Analyses Scores Top Diamonds in the Ruff