Aces on Bridge — Daily Columns

The Aces on Bridge: Friday, 19 January, 2024


4 Comments

A V Ramana RaoJanuary 19th, 2024 at 11:36 am

Hi Dear Mr Wolff
Perhaps anyone who can envisage the double squeeze and duck heart at T2 is certainly a genius. A delightful hand indeed . But, in a lighter vein, ironically, if east were to follow to second diamond, a Palooka would make five and the genius only four . And if it were master points, genius would get bottom score! Sometimes justice can be denied brilliance notwithstanding
Regards

Iain ClimieJanuary 19th, 2024 at 12:37 pm

Hi Bobby,

South should lead the D8 not DQ just in case East dozed off and missed the D10. Of course it shouldn’t work but you never know.

Without a trump at T1 or 2 the hand is easy so presumably best double dummy is trump at T1, D10, trump at T2 taken in dummy, try the D8 and East has to ruff in, overruffed and duck a heart. Now East switches to clubs as before. Just out of interest do you have access to “Deep finesse” or similar and use it to cross-check your analysis? If not, I’m even more impressed by the info in the columns.

Regards,

Iain

bobbywolffJanuary 19th, 2024 at 3:26 pm

Hi Iain,

Your persona, therefore your bridge habits, start and continue with the old
saying, likely used before bridge became popular (in the late 1920’s), “Never miss a trick”. Back then, it likely referred to someone who is constantly up to date on what is going on, even possibly, stepping down in stature, to the winner of a dog show. While that particular winner could be construed as not a compliment to be proud of, I differ, since to always be up to date, even for a K9, is to represent all that is needed to be best in class.

While our work does reach perhaps either three or sometimes four sets of
eyes, and at least two locations, we leave it at that, so for, at least, your thoughtful note, will justify our behavior, allowing me, an oft time lazy participant, to thank you. I do not use “Deep Finesse” or even “Medium”.

bobbywolffJanuary 19th, 2024 at 3:47 pm

Hi AVRR,

Please excuse my overlooking your always on point discussions, particularly the ones which tend to sometimes deny justice. Proving that the reward does not always fit the concentrated effort. The Aces site is always blessed
by your constant oversight.