Wolff is today’s most lucid writer on bridge matters.

Of course, if South had AKx of clubs, and north xxx, without an entry to dummy the best play in diamonds for 5 tricks is to run the Jack to pin stiff T or 9.

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your very kind remark. Since there are some extraordinarily talented bridge writers out there, my staff and I are very appreciative of your judgment.

We hope to maintain the lofty position you choose for us, continue to sing about the wonders of the game itself, and try to improve the active ethics required to play it honorably. Even with all the moving parts involved, we will fight hard to keep the stealthy gremlins away from invading and therefore confusing our efforts.

It is actively involved people like you, as well as all others who daily enjoy our column, that we want to write for and give our best.

Much thanks and God bless!

Hi Paul,

I agree with your suggestion about running the Jack of diamonds and then after getting it covered and downing the 10 or the 9 from East repeating the finesse, playing for East to have started with a singleton. If that fails, with East having falsecarded with 10, 9, and another or merely just 10, 9 doubleton, we could still play for the ace of spades to be on side.

All of the above to cater to dummy not having entries to dummy other than diamonds. Certainly playing it your way is more likely than East originally holding 10, 9 doubleton, if only because of the law of restricted choice, which simply stated is that when a player plays a certain card when there are equals possibly available, it is more likely that he did not have the card he could have played in his hand to start with.

Thanks for the extra tidbit to consider and, of course, the learning experience.