Challenge 8Y49 Main Analyses

I Walk the Line

by Richard Pavlicek

Hello, I’m Johnny Cash…

No, wait! I’m Richard — but I have a guitar case full of cash (thanks Matilda).

When I was young I remember my Father listening to the title song on the car radio. I thought it was cool, despite being baffled by part of the lyrics. Does “I keep the ends out for the tie that binds” mean he sticks out his butt cheeks when his necktie gets too tight? Whatever! Ever since I’ve been a devout fan.

In memory of the 10-time Grammy winning “Man in Black,” you have been dealt 10 black cards and become declarer in a black suit on each of these problems. Aggressive bidding may have driven you overboard, so be prepared to walk the line. And keep your eyes wide open all the time, or you’ll be going down, as sure as night is dark and day is light.

As South, choose your play from the options (A-F) listed. Each option will be rated on a 1-to-10 scale per my judgment.

Bidding is standard, and your opponents use standard leads and signals. For a reference see Standard American Bridge. Assume all players are experts.

In July 2007 these six problems were presented as a contest with 690 entrants from 110 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 are all cash. You bring the truck, and I’ll fill it! I have millions to unload before it burns, burns, burns in a ring of fire.
Winners must be at least 18 years of age. Offer void where prohibited by law, or in Interpol member countries.

You’ve got a way to keep me on your side… For you I know I’d even try to turn the tide… Now walk the line!

Problem 1

IMPs None Vul	Q 9 8 4 A K 2 Q 8 6 K 10 5		`West` 2 ¹ 3 All Pass	`North` Pass 3 NT	`EAST` 1 NT 2 Pass	`South` Pass 3 4
Lead: 10		East plays 5
4 South	A 5 3 3 10 3 Q 9 7 6 4 3 2		1. Jacoby

After winning the A, what next?

A. Win K (pitch spade); ruff heart
B. Win K (pitch spade); run 10
C. Win K (pitch diamond); ruff heart
D. Win K (pitch diamond); run 10
E. Ruff heart; lead Q
F. Ruff heart; lead 3

Problem 2

IMPs E-W Vul	A 5 2 A 5 4 3 4 3 2 J 6 3		WEST 2 Pass All Pass	`North` Pass 3	East Pass Pass	`South` 2 4
Lead: K		East wins A (overtakes)
4 South	K Q J 10 6 2 6 5 A K 7 4 2

East returns the 7 to the eight, then West leads the J (East pitches the 8) and you ruff. Next?

A. Win K; A
B. Win K; Q
C. Win K; A; A
D. Win K; A; A
E. Win A; A
F. Win A; A

Problem 3

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

West next wins the A (East plays 10) then leads the 3, won in dummy (East plays 7). Next?

A. Draw trumps
B. Ruff heart (high); draw trumps
C. Ruff heart (high); finesse J
D. Ruff heart (low); finesse J
E. Win A; finesse J
F. Lead the J

Problem 4

IMPs N-S Vul	3 2 9 8 3 A Q 10 6 K 10 9 8		`West` 2 All Pass	NORTH Pass Dbl¹	`East` 1 3 ²	South 1 5
Lead: 4		East wins A
5 South	A K 7 6 5 4 5 5 4 A Q J 2		1. responsive 2. obstructive

East returns the 7. Your play?

A. Pitch a diamond
B. Ruff (high); win A; 10
C. Ruff (high); win 10; ruff heart
D. Ruff (high); win 10; Q
E. Ruff (low); finesse Q
F. Ruff (low); finesse 10

Problem 5

IMPs None Vul	A J A K 10 5 Q 7 3 A K 4 3		`WEST` 1 Pass	`North` Dbl 5	`East` Pass All Pass	`South` 4
Lead: K		East plays 5
5 South	K 10 9 8 7 6 5 2 9 4 Q 6 5

West next wins the A (East plays 6) then shifts to the J. Your play?

A. Win K; A
B. Win K; ruff Q; win A
C. Win K; ruff Q; finesse J
D. Win K; ruff Q; win A
E. Win Q; A
F. Win Q; finesse J

Problem 6

IMPs Both Vul	A Q 8 6 K J 7 5 4 3 A J 8 —	West Pass Pass All Pass	NORTH 1 4 ¹ 6	East Pass Pass Pass	South 1 5 6
Lead: 10
6 South	K J 10 7 A 6 4 9 8 6 5 3 2	1. splinter

So much for walkin’. This time you ran the line. How do you justify such optimism?

A. Win A; A; lead J to queen
B. Win A; A; lead 7 to queen
C. Win A; A; lead 6
D. Win A; A; ruff club
E. Play the J
F. Play the 8

Click to see how you did

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