HBJ : Looking at all 4 hands the contract still poses a problem. When looking at just two hands making 12 tricks becomes even more of a problem for those that lack vision.

It seems obvious that 12 tricks can materialise from 6D, 1 club ruff and 5 hearts ( conceding only one to the queen ). But it is all about elimination, safety play and timing……the latter being crucial element. Playing the jack of hearts at trick 2 is clearly an act of an expert, and for anyone else an inspired piece of guesswork !

The hand plays so much easier with a non-club lead.

Perhaps I am mistaken, but I would have expected the double to ask for a spade lead. (“Partner, don’t lead my suit; lead yours.”)

Hi Howard,

You’ve added a deft touch to your already professional judgment.

High-level declarer’s play in bridge must be somewhat like the thinking of Olympic type ice skaters or acrobats. In addition to landing rightside up in your first endeavor you must plan your follow up move to impress everyone watching.

Expert declarer’s play involves original basic truths (such as drawing trump or better said, “getting the kiddies out of the street”) while at the same time being in the right hand to execute your follow-up necessary move. Add trying to anticipate and find an antidote to an adept defender’s counter move and you are almost there.

Please consider what this declarer needed to do with this fantasy hand consisting of 4-0 trump breaks (off side at that) and one’s vulnerability to a clever defender’s duck.

For statistical purposes one can play perhaps 50 years (I’ve already played around 60) of high level bridge or sort-of, and hands and degrees of difficulty like this one may occur perhaps a grand total of only 8 to 10 times, but when they do (and, of course, there is never any warning) one needs the pride present to be ready for it.

We need preparation, experience, understand the language of cards (better to play 2nd and 4th than 1st and 3rd), total concentration and a drumroll announcing the most fun part of detective work (where the cards are most likely to be) before we commit.

When I was about fifteen and already well on my way I used to dream of playing in a bridge World Championship against Terrence Reese and partner and wondering how I would react (other male kids were thinking about girls). Yes it can be nothing short of thrilling, but devoting one’s life to such a thing is a big gamble and parents would be wise to be very careful how they deal with their kids.

See what your introspective comment gleaned. lol

How about: ruff the opening lead, ruff a spade, ruff a second club with the ace of hearts, then lead the remaining heart to the king and continue hearts. I think this line is better than that of Myers, because it caters for west having a diamond void.

Hi David,

But what if East started with the singleton Queen of hearts and diamonds were 2-2? And if you don’t think the bridge gods prey on all of us who even begin to think that we know what we are doing, try another think. Perhaps East would not have doubled with only 2 sets of AKs since he also held the Queen of hearts, but are you ready to bet the farm on it?