Aces on Bridge — Daily Columns

The Aces on Bridge: Monday, July 3rd, 2023


6 Comments

Steven ConradJuly 3rd, 2023 at 8:20 am

Hi Bobby,

What a great topic you chose for the week. I’ve never seen this fascinating decision as the featured topic in either a book or a series of bridge columns. Thanks!

Iain ClimieJuly 3rd, 2023 at 10:37 am

Hi Bobby,

Two further points today are that dummy has a 14 count opposite a 15-17 1NT (so NS may well have tricks to burn) while how keen would West be to lead a spade from J9xx on this auction, even if declarer is trying a Grosevener coup at T1 holding SKxx? There is nowhere else except spades to go to beat 3NT. West needs to be awake though in realising East can’t have an entry. Ducking the S10 (or S8 for that matter) on the basis that East started with A10x or A8x doesn’t add up today.

Still, it would be a very good false card from South to play the SJ from J98 on the second round (East playing the S10 back) if the cards lay rather differently (e.g. dummy was weaker) and West needed to duck to keep communications in spades though.

Regards,

Iain

bobbywolffJuly 3rd, 2023 at 1:28 pm

Hi Steve,

First, much thanks for your enthusiasm, without which, most everyone in the process, and there are always at least several, appreciative, of your obvious sincere approval.

It is tempting for us to take some credit for pleasing other bridge lovers, but, in truth the game itself does it for us. Of course, the competition at the table is a major advantage, but leading up to that individual thrill, may come another plus, of knowing the hand shown may
have some learning value.

bobbywolffJuly 3rd, 2023 at 1:47 pm

Hi Iain,

I certainly agree to all you suggest and also will add that the opening leader may be in a position to add certain knowledge to foretell what to do upon the return of a specific spade by partner. He should be able to figure out the possibility of East starting with 4 spades (including the 10 and and 8) and thus needing to start his unblocking immediately.

All in a day’s work, especially for an excellent player who is good at numbers. Isn’t everyone, including those who enjoy discussing, that necessity.

bobbywolffJuly 3rd, 2023 at 1:49 pm

Look at me, OK with numbers, but not so at proofreading.

Iain ClimieJuly 3rd, 2023 at 1:59 pm

HI Bobby,

Let he or she who is typographically perfect cast the first ston.

Regards,

Iain