Aces on Bridge — Daily Columns

The Aces on Bridge: Saturday, 16 December, 2023


3 Comments

jim2December 16th, 2023 at 2:18 am

I held that North hand on the 2014 Slush Cup (obviously the source of this column hand).

The bidding proceeded exactly as in the text, but there was one teensy thing extra. West twitched at my partner’s 3S call. I probably would have discounted it; my pard did not.

Did he see the squeeze lines? I dunno and dinna care, since he made it by playing the twitch.

He won the opening lead with the AH, and tracked the 10S, covered, and won.

Back with a club, and the 9S fetched the other honor which was won on the Board and, as hoped, the 6S dropped. (Of course, the 8S dropping would have also have worked)

All that remained was to lead the 7S to the 8S, and the mighty 5S became the slam-going trick, in a deal that would have brought smiles to authors Robert Darvas and Norman de V. Hart!

bobbywolffDecember 16th, 2023 at 3:19 am

Hi Jim2,

Mr. Darvas would have been very proud and congratulated you on your “Right Through the
Pack” success since the five of spades became the slam making trick. Just perhaps that line of play was not the best percentage, but the proof of the pudding is the result. If the 10 of spades was not covered, would you have let it ride.

A V Ramana RaoDecember 16th, 2023 at 12:21 pm

Hi Jim2
After the play based on twitch, perhaps the five of spades can be deprived to tell it’s tale. Cash high clubs and hearts . In five card position, west must retain all diamonds and hence only one spade. Throw him in with his well deserved spade and he is hopelessly endplayed. It doesn’t matter which diamond he leads as if he leads low, ten wins and if he leads J, diamond nine comes down in third round
Regards