Aces on Bridge — Daily Columns

The Aces on Bridge: Friday, 7 June, 2024


5 Comments

bobbywolffJune 7th, 2024 at 2:18 pm

Hi Everyone,

Today’s hand reveals what bridge and likely chess offer, that other games probably, do not.
That sometimes secret source is merely the ability for all four players, after the bidding is over and the dummy is seen by all, how to plan the play. IOW, for the three active players
their responsibility rests on planning what to do when the winner of the first trick leads to trick #2 and the others are required to follow suit (if able).

Yes, in most cases, but far from all, should, before leading to the next trick and, of course, taking his time to play to trick one (if he senses a problem or, just as likely becomes interested in his overall plan of attack). However, if all three of the others have a forced play
(such as holding a singleton, then he needs to play it or, if declarer, needs to warn the defense that he is considering the entire hand, meaning he may or may not have an automatic play.

Therefore the wise (or should we call him or her, the experienced player?) after following the above stated case, will soon be able to see the obvious correct way to play today’s hand.

Avoiding missing clear-cut methods to those players who have, up to that time at the bridge table, have already, by playing too fast, given up the ability to play hands to best advantage.

Iain ClimieJune 7th, 2024 at 5:27 pm

Hi Bobby,

Very nice hand although spotting the D blockage in time is crucial. Also a reminder that glib general advice (aces are there to take Kings) can easily misfire and is no substitute for thinking.

Regards,

Iain

Iain ClimieJune 7th, 2024 at 6:03 pm

Hi again,

The other joy of games is unexpected and upset results. The World T20 Cricket Championship is on in the USA at present and it was probably hoped it would make money and maybe popularise the game a little over there. The US team have won their first two games, one of which (against Pakistan) is considered ne of the all time upset results in the game. It is the quickfire, mad thrash coloured clothing version of cricket but huge credit to your lads.

Regards,

Iain

Iain ClimieJune 7th, 2024 at 8:22 pm

See above:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1516231232103471

David SnookJune 9th, 2024 at 3:47 am

Hi Bobby…

What a terrific hand…

I think I have the solution…

As South, I need to let West take the spade king safely. After that, what’s West’s next card?

I control clubs… i control diamonds… West doesn’t want to lead hearts… I can get my heart king in safely at tht point. I suspect West would play another spade, which I take in hand with the queen.

I then start leading diamonds to my spectacular suite in the dummy, and when East throws the diamond nine on the first trick, I’m home free! West can only have two diamonds left and they get dropped on my next two diamond honors. I then play the spade ace, which I held back on earlier just for this option, tossing my hand’s last diamond on, and can safely play dummy’s last two low diamonds.

In the end, I take five diamond tricks, two spade tricks, and two club tricks!