No, wait! Im 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 Ive 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 youll 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 youre lucky, you might even win a valuable prize.*
*Prizes are all cash. You bring the truck, and Ill 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.
Youve got a way to keep me on your side For you I know Id even try to turn the tide Now walk the line!
1. Jacoby
After winning the A, what next?
A. Win K (pitch spade); ruff heartB. Win K (pitch spade); run 10C. Win K (pitch diamond); ruff heartD. Win K (pitch diamond); run 10E. Ruff heart; lead QF. Ruff heart; lead 3
East returns the 7 to the eight, then West leads the J (East pitches the 8) and you ruff. Next?
A. Win K; AB. Win K; QC. Win K; A; AD. Win K; A; AE. Win A; AF. Win A; A
West next wins the A (East plays 10) then leads the 3, won in dummy (East plays 7). Next?
A. Draw trumpsB. Ruff heart (high); draw trumpsC. Ruff heart (high); finesse JD. Ruff heart (low); finesse JE. Win A; finesse JF. Lead the J
1. responsive2. obstructive
East returns the 7. Your play?
A. Pitch a diamondB. Ruff (high); win A; 10C. Ruff (high); win 10; ruff heartD. Ruff (high); win 10; QE. Ruff (low); finesse QF. Ruff (low); finesse 10
West next wins the A (East plays 6) then shifts to the J. Your play?
A. Win K; AB. Win K; ruff Q; win AC. Win K; ruff Q; finesse JD. Win K; ruff Q; win AE. Win Q; AF. Win Q; finesse J
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 queenB. Win A; A; lead 7 to queenC. Win A; A; lead 6D. Win A; A; ruff clubE. Play the JF. Play the 8
Click to see how you did
Credits to Johnny Cash (1932-2003) and his song I Walk the Line.© 2007 Richard Pavlicek