Given the sub-optimal — but reasonable — defense, it behooves me to point out that south might notice his aces and kings, and bid 5 clubs. This makes on anything except a Heart lead. Declarer shoots back a diamond, and when he retakes the lead, plays another diamond. Now he gets back in charge, draws trumps, finishes the spade tops, ruffs a spade has has a positional Vienna coup against East in the majors.
Bob Lipton
Bobby WolffJuly 25th, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Hi Bob,
While you are definitely on to something special in the play, your description is just a trifel off target.
First, 11 tricks in clubs is cold, losing only 2 diamonds with no other even close to loser (2 spades, 3 hearts, and, of course, 6 high club tricks add up to eleven.
Second, making 6 clubs can be accomplished against sluggish opponents if they cash a diamond, but then switch suits or do not lead a diamond, but then allow declarer to give up a diamond trick early (called rectifying the count in order to effect a legitimate squeeze), but then have the defense fail to cash the second diamond which then becomes fatal to them since the simple squeeze against East (in hearts and spades after two spades are cashed in dummy and one then ruffed in hand) will then enable the 12th trick.
However, assuming diamonds are led originally but not continued or, if not led, then declarer must lead one, but the defense not see the need to continue them when declarer gives them the chance.
Without your post, there would probably be no mention of both the better game contract for NS, plus, and of course, the extra trick possibility while doing so.
However, for declarer to have the clairvoyance to know the hearts are not splitting 3-3 and for the length in spades, as well as hearts to be with East would only be enabled by a declarer who had second sight in giving up a diamond trick early and chancing the defense to not continue diamonds.
Aren’t we devils? as Ralph Edwards, the long ago MC on Truth or Consequences (radio show in the 1940s) used to say.
Bobby WolffJuly 25th, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Hi everyone,
My casino is now open (living in Las Vegas allows my venue to be mentioned), but which and what day will follow tomorrow? Will it be next Tuesday or possibly Wednesday or Sunday to which bets are now open.
I fancy another Saturday, of course a long shot, but one which will pay the winner much more if right.
A V Ramana RaoJuly 25th, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Hi Dear Mr Wolff
If it is Saturday, It must be Las Vegas. I am not clairvoyant and don’t wish to be as it would rob me the pleasure of bridge but it appears west player of today’s column must certainly been as leading diamond A from the tenace needed quite a bit of intuition. A trump lead appears natural but declarer would have least bit of problem. And the hand presented quite an interesting intricate play for landing the game after the lead
Regards
Bobby WolffJuly 25th, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Hi AVRR,
The ever so slight edge a bridge
columnist enjoys is, of course, to fit circumstances of opening lead and often, the vulnerability, to and of course, emphasize the theme.
Aside from self-styled drum beating and exaggertion, such as the above paragraph, we have almost no other advantage worth mentioning.
However, without players and analysts like you, we would never appreciate our own product, except, of course, the continued promotion of our worthwhile game.
Much continuing thanks for all the time you, your bridge brain, not to mention your positive personality, share with both us and our readers.
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Given the sub-optimal — but reasonable — defense, it behooves me to point out that south might notice his aces and kings, and bid 5 clubs. This makes on anything except a Heart lead. Declarer shoots back a diamond, and when he retakes the lead, plays another diamond. Now he gets back in charge, draws trumps, finishes the spade tops, ruffs a spade has has a positional Vienna coup against East in the majors.
Bob Lipton
Hi Bob,
While you are definitely on to something special in the play, your description is just a trifel off target.
First, 11 tricks in clubs is cold, losing only 2 diamonds with no other even close to loser (2 spades, 3 hearts, and, of course, 6 high club tricks add up to eleven.
Second, making 6 clubs can be accomplished against sluggish opponents if they cash a diamond, but then switch suits or do not lead a diamond, but then allow declarer to give up a diamond trick early (called rectifying the count in order to effect a legitimate squeeze), but then have the defense fail to cash the second diamond which then becomes fatal to them since the simple squeeze against East (in hearts and spades after two spades are cashed in dummy and one then ruffed in hand) will then enable the 12th trick.
However, assuming diamonds are led originally but not continued or, if not led, then declarer must lead one, but the defense not see the need to continue them when declarer gives them the chance.
Without your post, there would probably be no mention of both the better game contract for NS, plus, and of course, the extra trick possibility while doing so.
However, for declarer to have the clairvoyance to know the hearts are not splitting 3-3 and for the length in spades, as well as hearts to be with East would only be enabled by a declarer who had second sight in giving up a diamond trick early and chancing the defense to not continue diamonds.
Aren’t we devils? as Ralph Edwards, the long ago MC on Truth or Consequences (radio show in the 1940s) used to say.
Hi everyone,
My casino is now open (living in Las Vegas allows my venue to be mentioned), but which and what day will follow tomorrow? Will it be next Tuesday or possibly Wednesday or Sunday to which bets are now open.
I fancy another Saturday, of course a long shot, but one which will pay the winner much more if right.
Hi Dear Mr Wolff
If it is Saturday, It must be Las Vegas. I am not clairvoyant and don’t wish to be as it would rob me the pleasure of bridge but it appears west player of today’s column must certainly been as leading diamond A from the tenace needed quite a bit of intuition. A trump lead appears natural but declarer would have least bit of problem. And the hand presented quite an interesting intricate play for landing the game after the lead
Regards
Hi AVRR,
The ever so slight edge a bridge
columnist enjoys is, of course, to fit circumstances of opening lead and often, the vulnerability, to and of course, emphasize the theme.
Aside from self-styled drum beating and exaggertion, such as the above paragraph, we have almost no other advantage worth mentioning.
However, without players and analysts like you, we would never appreciate our own product, except, of course, the continued promotion of our worthwhile game.
Much continuing thanks for all the time you, your bridge brain, not to mention your positive personality, share with both us and our readers.
Monday morning is at it again …
Regards,
Iain