Challenge 8Y25 Main Analyses

The Art of Self-Defense

by Richard Pavlicek

Dedication to the community inspired me to build a new martial-arts facility in Fort Lauderdale. Men and women in south Florida can now learn the Pav Kwon Do style of self-defense. You can too!

At first I was reluctant to reveal my technique, as it could be dangerous in the wrong hands (my whole body’s a weapon). Taka Mafooti (my first student) had this to say, “As an overage Sumo wrestler, I was losing most of my matches — until I came to Florida and met Richard. Pav Kwon Do turned my life around! Now my opponents bid sayonara without a punch, just from the sight of me flying through the air.”

Fort Lauderdale police required a windowless structure for security and forced me to carefully screen all applicants. The last thing they needed was to walk into a bank robbery with “Pav belts” flying in all directions.

Here’s an opportunity to test your own self-defense! As West on each of these six problems, your opening lead and the play to the first trick are shown. Simply choose your next lead from the options listed. Each option will be 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.

In April 2007 these six problems were presented as a contest with 895 entrants from 115 locations. 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 free lifetime membership in Pav Kwon Do Academy and 25 copies of “Pav Kwon Do for Dough.” Winners must be at least
18 years of age with at least a brown belt in any martial art. Void where prohibited by law or where offers like this are not illegal.

Are you ready with your flying dropkick? Then don your helmet (declarer can throw a punch too) and let the bout begin.

Problem 1

Matchpoints E-W Vul	7 3 2 Q 7 4 A 10 5 3 K 10 5		You WEST 1 Pass Pass	`North` Pass Pass 3	East Pass 2 All Pass	`South` 2 Pass
A K 9 6 5 K 3 Q 9 7 Q 9 7		3 South

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

Your next lead: A 6 Q 9 Q 9

Problem 2

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

Trick
1 W Lead
K 2nd
9 3rd
7 4th
2

Your next lead: Q J 5 4 8 Q

Problem 3

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

Trick
1 W Lead
Q 2nd
6 3rd
2 4th
5

Your next lead: J 9 4 3 K 9

Problem 4

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

Trick
1 W Lead
K 2nd
5 3rd
3 4th
2
1. forcing (6-12)

Your next lead: J 3 Q 6 J 5

Problem 5

Matchpoints Both Vul	8 5 2 7 4 Q 10 5 2 A K J 3		You WEST 1 Pass All Pass	North Pass 1 NT	East Pass Pass	South Dbl 4
J 10 Q J A K J 6 3 Q 8 7 6		4 South

Trick
1 W Lead
K 2nd
2 3rd
7 4th
4

Your next lead: J Q J A Q 8

Problem 6

Matchpoints N-S Vul	Q J 8 J 8 6 5 3 5 Q 8 6 3		You `West` Pass All Pass	NORTH Pass 2	`East` Pass Pass	South 1 4
K 10 7 A K 10 2 J 8 4 3 4 2		4 South

Trick
1 W Lead
K 2nd
3 3rd
4 4th
7

Your next lead: K 7 A 2 3 4

Click to see how you did

Challenge 8Y25 Main Analyses Scores Top The Art of Self-Defense