Aces on Bridge — Daily Columns

The Aces on Bridge: Thursday, February 3rd, 2022


1 Comment

bobbywolffFebruary 17th, 2022 at 3:18 pm

Hi Everyone,

Even though the correct line or lines to declare this hand to advantage are obscure, the thought process should be a learning experience for many.

Starting with the initial spade duck and then after winning the 2nd spade, leading a low club from dummy, while somewhat conservative in giving up a very lucky alternative (club queen onside with also working finesses for entry to hand) it “feels” right to let the opponents play 1st and 3rd instead of 2nd and 4th.

At least to me, that low club from dummy at trick three (while again not having any to much knowledge whether it is the “percentage” play), might qualify as an example from a grizzled, but expert declarer, who doesn’t either expect miracles nor, and of course, even begin to concede defeat.

The above discourse is only my initial take of what to do, when presented with, this kind of daunting play hand suddenly occurring.

Call or name it what one thinks, but it is unlikely anyone will or could, estimate what the best percentage play at that crucial moment, really is. However, until someone else convinces me otherwise (not likely) I’ll stick with this declarer’s judgment.

A likely possible thought could be, “Let the opponents make the next mistake”, especially so, since I am going about establishing three club tricks, while, at the same time, not conceding defeat nor relying on specific, but very lucky, defensive holdings.