Hi Bobby,

The hand looks familiar, but my reaction is the same as before – leading the trump 10 then ducking if covered just messes with my mind. It is one of the most counter-intuitive things I’ve ever seen.

Are there any alternative lines which equal it or run it close?

regards,

Iain

Hi Iain,

I, too, had seen this theme before, in a bridge book which emphasized both the correct way to manage card combinations and, of course, the importance of understanding what actually happens when honors are covered, which always is in search of the possibility of creating extra tricks for both sides. However, in this case, the timing of the hand rather than the promotion of the cards is at stake.

Naturally East would and likely should have covered since, by so doing, assured himself a spade trick he might not have gotten, if declarer was intending to let it ride. However, if declarer would have had all five of the missing spades (from East’s view) he likely would not have led the ten from dummy.

In answer to your alternative lines question, all I can reply is that, of course, if the game is matchpoints declarer may be giving up an easy overtrick if spades were 3-2 with no overruffs available to the defense in clubs before trumps can be fully drawn.

However, my immediate reaction is that the counter-intuitive duck (your right-on description) becomes the only road to the winning ending.

If so, no one, not even my worst enemy, can win an argument claiming it is the wrong play.

Years ago, at a relatively small town bridge club I use to co-own, in the heat of battle, a local bridge philosopher once cautioned, “Let the winner and no one else, explain” and ever since that day, I’ve basically agreed, but not without much consternation and backlash through the sands of time.