There is an easy to overlook timing point in the text.

Declarer must take the first spade ruff BEFORE leading trump. Otherwise, the defense could return a second trump (instead of a diamond) and use one of the Dummy entries prematurely. (Before a spade ruff could be taken with that entry)

Hi Jim2,

Yes, of course, and when declarer sees fit to do that, such as this hand, it almost always signifies an intent for either an eventual throw-in or, as is here, when missing the ace of trump or another quick entry for the defense, not then a throw-in, but rather either an attempt to count the defensive hands for greater clarity. or execute a potential simple squeeze against the one defender who may be the only one unable to hold two keys cards at the death.

Finally, the only other apparent reason, establishing an eventual winning trick for the contract by the necessary expedient of maximizing his entries, is usually not defensible unless the defender or both can sometimes combine to throw him off the winning path by a well-timed false card to which the declarer decides to go wrongly, all in.

It would then only help with that legal deception for East, if holding xxxxx in a suit to not discard one early if given a chance, further possibly convincing that worthy declarer of one’s possession of an honor. ” Oh, what a web we weave when first we practice to deceive” is not only legal, it is highly recommended while playing or defending in bridge, particularly when cooperating on defense with an equally devious defender.

An example being, while holding: KQJ as West and not leading that suit as the opening leader, then following vs. A109x in dummy opposite declarer’s singleton (East holding xxxxxx instead of possibly Qxxxxx or Kxxxxx) with first the jack, then the king, hoping the declarer will fall for that ruse and let the 10 ride, thinking you would have led the king originally from KQJx or only the KQJ.

Hi again everyone,

And should there be doubts to the devilish nature of the defense combining to lead even a very good declarer astray, I would counter that fear by saying the closest analogy I can think of to explain their actions is to compare it with the most brilliant generals during warfare of misleading their lethal adversaries as to their best interests. Legal?, yes, ethical? Most Definitely!

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping someone can go into the (very recent) past to help me out here.

Sometime, I am thinking in the last couple of months, Bobby gave a brief overview of some of his preferred conventions. It featured four-card majors which I like and a strong NT and a few other features. I wanted to look at it more closely, but was too busy and foolishly believing I would be back to it in a day or two, I didn’t note the date.

Does anyone remember when exactly that was?

Thanks!

I too was interested. It was Dec 11/Dec 25th column-a nice Christmas present. Not too many 4 card major players around here. I learned strong no trump originally, but have learned flexibility. Most systems can be effective, with a little effort, I suppose. I will not try to implement Precision though. Thanks to this column and our host’s expertise and humor for raising my game, as well as to our regular commentators, who remind me that I have a lot to learn, but can have fun while doing it.

Hi Jeff S & Joe1,

Sincerely appreciate both your enthusiasm and kind words.

While 4 card majors, played correctly, especially in concert with a strong club, are far and away my favorite winning partnership system, either or both of you will have trouble with converting to 4 card majors the way I think you need to play them.

However, for all other aspects of what I am suggesting, it should not be difficult to develop the winning discipline and togetherness necessary in order to advance rapidly toward whatever goals you two individually possess, as long as your partner of choice is ready to forge ahead.

With that as a backdrop, when either of you becomes ready to ask questions I’ll be pleased to answer, complete with annotations.

However, and for your success, please choose someone who has the same enthusiastic approach as both of you appear to have.

For starters, I will suggest you get started on your own and then carefully write down hands to which problems may arise. I’ll be available whenever you post, allowing our other posters to add their wisdom, when and if, it becomes necessary.

Good luck and keep in mind, set your own pace, which will allow all of us not to worry if time interferes with progress. It is a long range hope which, if we are lucky, to not only help the principals, but also to others who keep informed.

Thanks Joe! And, always, a sincere thanks to our host for his generosity with his time and wisdom. I hope everyone realizes how absolutely rare it is to have someone at the top of his field – ANY field – be willing to engage with anyone and everyone. Always a huge appreciation to Bobby.