Warning: If you count these hands after dark, be sure to bring along a wooden stake!Determine the most likely pattern of Wests hand, then decide your play.
You win the K and cash two diamonds, West discarding a heart.
What is Wests shape?
Your play in clubs? A. Win the queen, king, ace B. Win the queen, king, finesse the ten C. Win the queen then lead the ten
You draw trumps (East held three). You cash your top clubs and West shows out on the third round.
Your play in diamonds? A. Win the ace then finesse the ten B. Win the king then finesse the jack C. Win the ace and king
Quit
All follow to three hearts, and West shows out on the third diamond.
Your play in clubs? A. Lead the four to the king B. Lead the two to the queen C. Lead the king
East wins both top clubs then gives West a ruff; West leads a heart. All follow to two rounds of trumps.
Your play in diamonds? A. Win the ace then finesse the jack B. Win the king then run the jack C. Win the ace and king
East returns the 9 (West plays 3). East discards a heart on the third club.
What is your plan? A. Finesse the Q B. Finesse the 9 C. Win the K-A then lead a diamond
West shifts to the 2; seven, nine, ace. West shows out on the second round of trumps.
What is your plan? A. Lead a diamond and duck it B. Win the A-K then lead a club C. Win the A and duck a club
© 1996 Richard Pavlicek