A couple of quick thoughts here. Firstly, if South had the S10 as well, he has more losing options which would be maddening. Secondly, suppose West has SQx. He might as well dump the SQ under the SA for the fun of it as it might persuade declarer to find a losing line – although probably not very effective today.
Regards,
Iain
jim2July 27th, 2022 at 11:14 am
Another way to view the column line is that, if the QS is onside for the finesse, then the finesse is not necessary (as long as West has three diamonds).
Meanwhile, the column line gains if the QS is doubleton offside (as it was here).
bobbywolffJuly 27th, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Hi Iain,
Yes technically, with declarer (South) holding the 10 of spades, there are more options, but also, and more to their partnership liking, a better percentage make.
However, it appears that the difference should not materially effect the play, allowing D’Israeli’s poignant quote to emphasize what bridge so often demands, thinking!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
bobbywolffJuly 27th, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Hi Jim2,
And, of course, thanks to you for pointing out the necessity for a fairly normal diamond split to be also necessary for success.
No doubt, with you declarer, the diamonds would always be 5-2 or worse, to a TOCM victim, the percentage cinch, together with in the other room, declarer simply guessing the location of the trump queen or, of course, and if necessary, declarer enjoying a trump lead.
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Hi Bobby,
A couple of quick thoughts here. Firstly, if South had the S10 as well, he has more losing options which would be maddening. Secondly, suppose West has SQx. He might as well dump the SQ under the SA for the fun of it as it might persuade declarer to find a losing line – although probably not very effective today.
Regards,
Iain
Another way to view the column line is that, if the QS is onside for the finesse, then the finesse is not necessary (as long as West has three diamonds).
Meanwhile, the column line gains if the QS is doubleton offside (as it was here).
Hi Iain,
Yes technically, with declarer (South) holding the 10 of spades, there are more options, but also, and more to their partnership liking, a better percentage make.
However, it appears that the difference should not materially effect the play, allowing D’Israeli’s poignant quote to emphasize what bridge so often demands, thinking!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Hi Jim2,
And, of course, thanks to you for pointing out the necessity for a fairly normal diamond split to be also necessary for success.
No doubt, with you declarer, the diamonds would always be 5-2 or worse, to a TOCM victim, the percentage cinch, together with in the other room, declarer simply guessing the location of the trump queen or, of course, and if necessary, declarer enjoying a trump lead.