Maybe a bit harsh on West for letting the 2nd club go? He can’t let go of a spade clearly but ditching a diamond means he reduces the chance of a safe exit in that suit and might wind up endplayed at some point (e.g. if he holds C9x and dummy holds CQ7 after the AK have gone) although declarer would still have to read the position properly. How differently (perhaps not much) does the play go if West keeps one more club and one less diamond?
I suppose the real problem is that the 2nd club discard sets up both dummy’s clubs as potential winners, hence the criticism of West.
Very interesting hand, though.
Regards,
Iain
Bobby WolffFebruary 9th, 2023 at 2:16 pm
Hi Iain,
Yes, you nailed the difference on this hand with others. Most declarer’s problems have to do with first, card reading (where they are located) and then trying to gauge the play to take the necessary advantage. This one sort of matches the quote wherein declarer judged (respected West) the spade queen to be offside (because of Wests club discards, after declarer had bid spades).
However, I am not at all sure, the original deep heart finesse is the percentage play (euphemism for not), but it sure was necessary to succeed, (and much easier to write up, but please do not inform any of our readers).
Iain ClimieFebruary 9th, 2023 at 6:06 pm
Hi Bobby,
If H are 3-2 the deep finesse may gain and won’t lose. If they’re 4-1 onside (offside is unmanageable if West has QJxx) then I think QJxx is more likely (3 to 2) than Qxxx or Jxxx. I’d probably have just bashed down top trumps at the table and then I’ve got no chance but I think declarer gave himself a small extra chance here – only to mess it up later.
Regards,
Iain
Bobby WolffFebruary 9th, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Hi Iain,
While you make a good point with a 60%-40% advantage on a singleton trump being an honor, I was thinking of a likely loss to West who might have a much easier continuation of a diamond than would East. However, it is a difficult to almost an impossible task, to figure out that theoretical at best, advantage.
Subscribe to our feed
Bridge-related
Hi Bobby,
Maybe a bit harsh on West for letting the 2nd club go? He can’t let go of a spade clearly but ditching a diamond means he reduces the chance of a safe exit in that suit and might wind up endplayed at some point (e.g. if he holds C9x and dummy holds CQ7 after the AK have gone) although declarer would still have to read the position properly. How differently (perhaps not much) does the play go if West keeps one more club and one less diamond?
I suppose the real problem is that the 2nd club discard sets up both dummy’s clubs as potential winners, hence the criticism of West.
Very interesting hand, though.
Regards,
Iain
Hi Iain,
Yes, you nailed the difference on this hand with others. Most declarer’s problems have to do with first, card reading (where they are located) and then trying to gauge the play to take the necessary advantage. This one sort of matches the quote wherein declarer judged (respected West) the spade queen to be offside (because of Wests club discards, after declarer had bid spades).
However, I am not at all sure, the original deep heart finesse is the percentage play (euphemism for not), but it sure was necessary to succeed, (and much easier to write up, but please do not inform any of our readers).
Hi Bobby,
If H are 3-2 the deep finesse may gain and won’t lose. If they’re 4-1 onside (offside is unmanageable if West has QJxx) then I think QJxx is more likely (3 to 2) than Qxxx or Jxxx. I’d probably have just bashed down top trumps at the table and then I’ve got no chance but I think declarer gave himself a small extra chance here – only to mess it up later.
Regards,
Iain
Hi Iain,
While you make a good point with a 60%-40% advantage on a singleton trump being an honor, I was thinking of a likely loss to West who might have a much easier continuation of a diamond than would East. However, it is a difficult to almost an impossible task, to figure out that theoretical at best, advantage.