S wins the SA and leads a H but W plays the K. S wins the HA and plays DAK. If E hangs on to the QJ, it’s all over. S cashes SKQ and exits with a D. E can cash 2 D and then must lead C (or cash HQ and let S make an overtrick).

Hi Bobby,

One horrible possibility presents itself here for the defence. Imagine South has 3 small hearts in a dead flat hand, then views to pass 3N. He leads a heart to the K and Ace then the HJ. Obviously east should take this as the cards lie, but how much credence should be given to the scenario I suggest when ducking would be right? Today, of course, it let’s the contract through.

regards,

Iain

Hi David & Iain,

Yes, you two bridge warriors have set up straw situations certainly worth recognizing to the point of dealing with them, at least with mind recognition and theoretical winning defense.

First with David. East might need his partner’s actual count signals in diamonds in order to discard one of his high diamond honors on declarer’s high diamond plays. As long as East knows West has three of them (again numeracy at work in a top bridge player’s mind) it is then a slam dunk to throw a “trapping high diamond” away being ready in case partner has the ten (his seven, nine, following tends do indicate it, as well, but not the nine seven instead, at least when playing standard count signals).

And with jettisoning the jack of spades, suggested by Iain, again that should be done since East will be privy to West’s play and bridge experience should make East aware of not wanting to be end played while holding the key king of clubs while declarer is attempting to strip the “out cards” from his would and should be, “wary” defenders.

Of course, East and West (or at least one of them) should hold his cards up, since how else could declarer know that the king of clubs is located in the danger hand, thus constructing the play as if he was sure of it.

However, thanks to both of you for encouraging defensive players to be aware of what used to be called bridge “gambits”.

Let’s say declarer knows West is good enough to play the K/Q H as in the column. So, how should the sequence be aligned best?

How about playing off all four spades? What can East pitch? Surely not a small heart (the benefit of playing spades before hearts), and not likely a small club. Only a small diamond looks safe, so let’s assume that.

Next, declarer plays one top diamond. If East pitches a diamond honor, it would create a finesse position. (put the 10D in South’s hand).

NOW, declarer leads a small heart, captures the KH with AH, sees the heart suit is dead, and comes off dummy with a diamond, and endplays East.

Note that my sequence basically transposes to the standard line, making the KH play easier (but we “knew” West was good enough anyway) but gains by enhancing endplay chances.

Hi Jim2,

This is like one of those long ago movies (I forget the real name) but it was one where the audience can make their own ending to satisfy their curiosity so whether the end play worked or instead the declarer only played for the king of clubs to be onside all the time, we’ll never know, but all optimists will imagine that it turned out well, even the ones who were rooting for the defense.

My acronym has taught me the value of discover plays, delays to gather intel, and forcing early defensive discards when those measures do not damage the main line. When those same plays run the risks of giving the defenders intel and letting them give it to each other, I have to assess the trade-offs.

My opponents so often do the worst thing for me by accident anyway, that I generally err in the direction of gathering intel.

Hi Jim2,

No doubt your disease TOCM TM has caused your extreme modesty toward the gathering of intel, before, and if possible, then making the winning critical decision.

Since I can never improve on your accurate analysis I will only suggest next time you declare a hand against a world class partnership (and there are fewer of those than most people think), when you embark on a line which requires a (thought) tiny defensive mistake (such as on the above hand with East not unblocking his high diamonds in order to avoid being end played), you will result in being frustrated since those superior defenders already will rise to their defensive responsibilities since they will already know your (almost) exact hand and your specific intentions. (also if that line is adopted West, not East, will possess the crucial club king).

Even those who are not infected with TOCM TM will have to stumble away, no doubt, mortally wounded.