HBJ : Such a instructive hand demonstrating the importance of forming a picture of declarer’s hand, taking stock at trick 2 when dummy is exposed, and, of course, the simple art of counting.

But what is so rare about this hand is the fact that declarer is squeezed at trick 3, and East can afford the luxury of cashing out top hearts unconcerned about setting up dummy’s only suit.

Defence like that certainly deserves applauding.

How one reacts as South after West cashes the second heart is a test of character.

Hi JHG,

Your description is picture perfect of the elements needed for success in defending.

When South is virtually forced to throw away the possible game fulfilling spade trick on Kyle’s cash of his second high heart most all of West’s visualization is necessary.

Although it may be tempting for West to hope partner has the nine of spades, then enabling him to lead a low spade and still keep declarer out of the dummy, he should not fall victim to that hope. Let’s say South had one less spade in his hand but to compensate one more club. Then declarer my decide to falsecard the queen of clubs again tempting West to lead a low club, thinking perhaps South had unprotected her club position. Just another worry for the defender and therefore Kyle deserves all rewards for fighting his way through this maze to a mini-victory.

Hi Jim2,

Yes a test of character is a realistic description and is the basis for direct mental battles among intelligent good bridge players.

Another way of saying what you are feeling is that there are many times (more than one usually expects) where the “poker element” in bridge raises its head and for success, cannot be avoided.

A game of cat and mouse usually ensues wherein both the declarer and the key defender are weighing what the other one either knows or certainly suspects and therefore looks for ways to insert “red herrings”.

Fascination always occurs, and although we all love winning these mind battles, when there are top players involved, I will settle for winning 51% of them.

I see you have climbed into the 8!

On my comment, what I was really pointing to was the mental toughness not to let an opponent’s unusual and fine play get one down.

Being squeezed as declarer at Trick 3?!

Personally, I would struggle with this one.

Hi Jim2,

Commenting on your latter 3 paragraphs, yes, mental toughness is a combination of treating one’s opponents brilliances in stride and trying, as best one can, to send out legal deception (not with body language, but rather with playing the most deceptive card possible, if there is one). Perhaps the falsecard of the 7 of spades might create the most concern for your worthy opponent, but, at least on this hand, your LHO (Kyle) has the trump card (even at NT). If declarer had the AQx of clubs and one less spade, I would offer the queen of clubs, hoping the opening leader would fall for it, but knowing full well that Larsen would almost certainly not take the bait.

Yes, our 2011 USA geezer team had a sensational day yesterday garnering 74 of the possible 75 VP’s, and as I am answering you at 3AM, having not been able to sleep (too much adenaline) I am looking forward to being lucky enough to continue our torrid pace tomorrow.

In high-level bridge, as it certaiinly is in other very popular competitive sports, it is important not to peak too early, since to do so usually causes a run out of steam at later crucial times. At least I am pulling for that eventuality to see us through the next days which may include our quarter-final, semi-final and final result.

Time alone will tell and my previous experience demands that one can only try and play his (or her) best game and just let Dame Fortune (DF) have her way and somehow chooses your team to be the benefactor.

No doubt DF is sometimes fickle, but surprisingly she usually has a sense of fair play and, more often than some care to admit, rewards those who follow the above process.

I, for one, really do appreciate your emotional support which really helps more than you can imagine.