Aces on Bridge — Daily Columns

The Aces on Bridge: Wednesday, September 29th, 2021


4 Comments

jim2October 13th, 2021 at 2:27 pm

I would always play the QS on the first trick. It may not be the best play, but I do not want to encourage East to think.

All I need is for clubs to behave to have 9 tricks.

bobbywolffOctober 13th, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Hi Jim2,

First of all, I want to apologize to everyone for my computer problems which caused me to be absent without leave (AWOL, very sincere tough penalty to overcome in the military).

Now to the bridge and your psychological dilemma. Yes, it may or may not warn declarer
to CHECK SIGNALS when ducking instead of rising, but in trying to be fair, I think your play is better timed to make (at least against most defenders).

Then, of course, switching to the nine of hearts is probably above most player’s pay grade, but then, who am I to say? CHUCKLE, CHUCKLE…

Definitely not yours!!!!!! but then if I am playing against you (preferably even in heaven, but possibly where it is supposedly very warm)
I’ll (if declarer) just concede for two reasons,

1. You’ll be up to winning the ace and then switching to the nine of hearts! and,

2. I DO NOT want TOCM to continue to survive.
especially when partner (West held the king of spades).

Iain ClimieOctober 14th, 2021 at 7:49 am

Hi Bobby, Jim2,

Unless South is insane, he must have the SK, so this small spade at T1 must either mean he has K10x or is trying to get the SJ played rather than the Ace. In the first case, spades won’t get us far; in the second, the proverbial rat should be smelled.

Regards,

Iain

bobbywolffOctober 14th, 2021 at 2:11 pm

Hi Iain,

As 2nd Citizen was quoted in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”after Mark Antony’s stirring eulogy, “Methinks there is much reason in what he (Iain) says”.

However, in reality, some players, even experienced good ones, sometimes play mechanically, not thoughtfully.

That is perhaps just another reason for the 3rd seat defender to always take his allotted time (especially rule provided) at trick one before committing. which complies with written ethical procedures, even if absolutely, no problem exists.