Double dummy par is for NS to take the save (!) in 5S doubled getting a heart lead and then going one off as per the defence described, due to South’s club void, NS can’t lead a club although S would need CAKx to beat 5C – if C are 2-1 EW make 5C, 5D and a spade ruff!
A bad hand for those who put excessive trust in high cards although not quite on a par with the Duke of Cumberland hand (originally from Whist days but in Ian Fleming’s Moonraker) where AKQJ AKQJ AK KJ9 isn’t enough to stop 7C making by the opponents.
regards,
Iain
Iain ClimieFebruary 22nd, 2023 at 10:35 am
Just for completeness, the and on the left of the D of C hand holds CAQ10xx and 8 diamonds to the Queen. On the right there is a diamond void and the other 5C. So, a major suit is ruffed, D ruff, club to the 10, D ruff, club to the Queen, cash CA and run the diamonds.
As the Duke was allegedly responsible for ordering the massacring of highland soldiers after the battle of Culloden in 1746 (the order supposedly being written on the back of the D9 – hence the Curse of Scotland) any sympathy should be limited.
Bobby WolffFebruary 22nd, 2023 at 9:44 pm
Hi Iain,
Finally, the discussion of what might have been worse than cheating at bridge, the nine of diamonds, otherwise known as “THE CURSE OF SCOTLAND”!
No, not as bad, but almost, again while comparing the difference between a Russian comedy and a Russian tragedy. In both, everyone dies, but with the comedy, they die happy.
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Hi Bobby,
Double dummy par is for NS to take the save (!) in 5S doubled getting a heart lead and then going one off as per the defence described, due to South’s club void, NS can’t lead a club although S would need CAKx to beat 5C – if C are 2-1 EW make 5C, 5D and a spade ruff!
A bad hand for those who put excessive trust in high cards although not quite on a par with the Duke of Cumberland hand (originally from Whist days but in Ian Fleming’s Moonraker) where AKQJ AKQJ AK KJ9 isn’t enough to stop 7C making by the opponents.
regards,
Iain
Just for completeness, the and on the left of the D of C hand holds CAQ10xx and 8 diamonds to the Queen. On the right there is a diamond void and the other 5C. So, a major suit is ruffed, D ruff, club to the 10, D ruff, club to the Queen, cash CA and run the diamonds.
As the Duke was allegedly responsible for ordering the massacring of highland soldiers after the battle of Culloden in 1746 (the order supposedly being written on the back of the D9 – hence the Curse of Scotland) any sympathy should be limited.
Hi Iain,
Finally, the discussion of what might have been worse than cheating at bridge, the nine of diamonds, otherwise known as “THE CURSE OF SCOTLAND”!
No, not as bad, but almost, again while comparing the difference between a Russian comedy and a Russian tragedy. In both, everyone dies, but with the comedy, they die happy.