Interesting play problem

[l milne]

Hi folks, found this declarer play problem in an old book I was reading today.

Very interesting point which I don't has been covered much (and the author agrees ;) ).

Not too hard, you'll probably know once you've got it. Merry Christmas!

 

[hv=pc=n&s=s92hj6532d942cakj&n=saj653hqtdak5c982&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=1cppdp1hp1sp1np2np3nppp]266|200[/hv]

 

The bidding was aggressive, but both North and South love vul games and back themselves to make sub-25 3NTs when all the points are in one hand.

1♣ showed 4+, and as EW are playing a weak NT system, if East is balanced he will generally be in the 15-17 range.

 

The play begins with the lead of the 3♣, to the 9, Q, A.

As South needs a heart trick even if spades break, he begins with a heart to the Queen and Ace.

East returns the 4♣ to the Jack, 7, deuce. Plan the play!

 

EDIT: solution two posts below :) take your time if you don't see it!

[MrAce]

First look it seems we need 3-3 ♥ AKx ♥ with east. Of course then we shd play ♥ and east needs to duck it. Lead indicates ♣ are 3-4. At this point when ♥ is ducked i can make if East has

 

KQxx AKx Qx Qxxx or KQxx AKx Jx Qxxx

 

by cashing AK ♦ and then ♣ to hand and give him 3rd ♥. He takes 2♥+1♣ and we duck if he plays ♠ honor to endplay him.

 

I am sure there are better lines that i cant see at the moment.

[athene]

First look it seems we need 3-3 ♥ AKx ♥ with east. Of course then we shd play ♥ and east needs to duck it. Lead indicates ♣ are 3-4. At this point when ♥ is ducked i can make if East has

 

KQxx AKx Qx Qxxx or KQxx AKx Jx Qxxx

 

by cashing AK ♦ and then ♣ to hand and give him 3rd ♥. He takes 2♥+1♣ and we duck if he plays ♠ honor to endplay him.

 

I am sure there are better lines that i cant see at the moment.

 

 

If you are going to play for AKx hearts with opener, just go to dummy and lead the heart, and if he ducks, OVERTAKE then a small heart, bingo.

[MrAce]

If you are going to play for AKx hearts with opener, just go to dummy and lead the heart, and if he ducks, OVERTAKE then a small heart, bingo.

 

Yup, that way i dont need him to have doubleton ♦ either. Nice.

[Fluffy]

Nice, never saw this position before.

 

When you give a problem form a book you should give the author's name I think.

[gnasher]

If you are going to play for AKx hearts with opener, just go to dummy and lead the heart, and if he ducks, OVERTAKE then a small heart, bingo.

That also has the advantage that it produces nine tricks, whereas MrAce's endplay leads to only eight tricks even when it works.

[nige1]

[hv=pc=n&s=s92hj6532d942cakj&n=saj653hqtdak5c982&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=1cppdp1hp1sp1np2np3nppp]266|250|Hi folks, found this declarer play problem in an old book I was reading today. Very interesting point which I don't has been covered much (and the author agrees ;) ). Not too hard, you'll probably know once you've got it. Merry Christmas!

The bidding was aggressive, but both North and South love vul games and back themselves to make sub-25 3NTs when all the points are in one hand. 1♣ showed 4+, and as EW are playing a weak NT system, if East is balanced he will generally be in the 15-17 range. The play begins with the lead of the 3♣, to the 9, Q, A. As South needs a heart trick even if spades break, he begins with a heart to the Queen and Ace. East returns the 4♣ to the Jack, 7, deuce. Plan the play![/hv]

Nice Problem. Thank you l milne. And Merry Christmas all. (AFAIR a Reese book covers a similar theme).

[MrAce]

That also has the advantage that it produces nine tricks, whereas MrAce's endplay leads to only eight tricks even when it works.

 

Bash me harder, i deserved it with my quick reply. :P

[l milne]

You're right Fluffy.

 

Bridge by Question and Answer, Reese.