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Controlling the Ruffs

by Richard Pavlicek

As declarer with spades trump, your concern is the major suits which have not been played.
Decide your goal (tricks to win) and choose your play (A, B or C).

1. 4 3 2
3 2
3 2
2
Table
North leads

A 8 7 6 5
A 5 4
—
South —

Out of 8 tricks, what is your goal to win?

How would you play?
A. Duck a heart then duck a spade
B. Duck a spade then duck a heart
C. Win A then duck a heart

2. 4 3 2
A 3 2
3 2
2
Table
North leads

A K J 6 5
K Q 5 4
—
South —

Out of 9 tricks, what is your usual goal to win?

How would you play?
A. Win A; A; then finesse J
B. Win A then cash hearts
C. Win A-K then cash hearts

3. 5 4 3 2
3 2
2
2
Table
Lead: J

A 8 7 6
A K 5 4
—
South —

Out of 8 tricks, what is your goal to win?

You win A; then what?
A. Win K then ruff a heart
B. Win A; K; then ruff a heart
C. Lead 6

Quit Top Controlling the Ruffs

4. 5 4 3 2
4 3 2
2
—
Table
Lead: 9

9 8 7 6
A K Q 5
—
South —

Out of 8 tricks, what is your goal to win?

You win A; then what?
A. Lead spades once only
B. Lead spades twice
C. Cash the top hearts right away

5. K 3 2
3 2
3 2
3 2
Table
North leads

A 7 6 5 4
A 6 5 4
—
South —