A Matter of Timing

As South, answer each question about the play.

1.	A Q 9 2
Both vul	6 3
	A 9 6 5 2
	4 2
Lead: J
	K 10 6 4
	A 9
	4 3
4 South	K Q 7 6 5

Will you win the first trick? 

After winning the A, what are your plays at the next trick?  

What are your plays at the next trick?  

Assuming that wins, what next?  

Then what do you lead? 

2.	4 3 2
None vul	A Q J
	K 2
	K 7 6 5 2
Lead: 10		East plays 4
	10 9 5
	K 5 2
	A Q 4 3
3 NT South	A 9 4

Which suit is the only hope to establish a ninth trick? 

If you do this, how many tricks can E-W win? 

Is there a squeeze chance? If so, which two suits? 

Which hearts do you play at trick one?  

What will you lead next? 

Quit

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3.	6 5 4 3
None vul	J 5 4 3 2
	A 2
	5 2
Lead: K
	Q
	A
	K Q 5 4 3
5 South	A K 8 6 4 3

What is the most likely club break? 

What is the most likely diamond break? 

Will you attempt to ruff a diamond? 

How many top trumps will you cash right away? 

What will you lead next? 

4.	A 2
None vul	A 4
	A K Q 3
	8 5 4 3 2
Lead: J
	Q 10 5 4
	K Q
	5 4
6 NT South	A K Q 10 9

Which suit offers the best chance for a 12th trick? 

Is there a squeeze chance? If so, which two suits? 

Which suit has the most precious entry? 

Which heart will you win at trick one? 

What will you lead next? 

Quit

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5.	8 7
None vul	A 2
	A 3 2
	K 10 9 5 4 3
Lead: 8
	K Q J 10 9 6
	6 5 4 3
	5 4
4 South	A

Which suit offers the best chance to succeed? 

Which two suits should E-W lead to foil this? 

Which suit offers a chance for a profitable ruff? 

Which suit should E-W lead to foil this? 

Trick two plays?  

6.	8 5 4
None vul	A 7 2
	A Q 7 5
	9 4 3
Lead: J		East plays 5
	A 2
	K 8 6 4 3
	J 4 2
3 NT South	A K 5

If hearts split 3-2, will this give you enough tricks? 

From which other suit can you get an extra trick? 

Does East’s play ask for a heart continuation? 

Which hearts do you play at trick one?  

Can West read East’s signal? 

Quit

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© 1996 Richard Pavlicek