Exercise 4Q35 Main

Give Me a Chance!

by Richard Pavlicek

As South, answer each question about the play. Assume no enemy bidding.

1. 5 4
None vul J 10 4
A K J 5 4
8 6 5
Table
Lead: J

A 2
A Q 9 2
6 3 2
3 NT South A K 7 2

How many top tricks?

Which suit offers the best chance to succeed?

Which suit offers another chance?

What is the best play?
A. Cash the A-K
B. Finesse diamonds then hearts
C. Finesse hearts then diamonds

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

A 7 4
9 4 2
A 5 4 3
3 NT South A K 6

How many top tricks?

Which suit offers the best chance to succeed?

Which two suits offer additional chances?

What is the best play?
A. Lead a heart to the queen
B. Lead a diamond to the jack
C. Duck a club

Quit
Top Give Me a Chance!

3. K 5 3
None vul 5 3 2
A Q 4
A 5 3 2
Table
Lead: 6

6 4 2
A K Q J 8 6
10 3
4 South K 4

How many top tricks?

Which suit offers the best chance to succeed?

Which suit offers another chance?

What is the best play?
A. Win the A
B. Finesse the Q
C. Duck the diamond lead

4. A J
None vul A Q J 6
6 4 2
K 9 7 4
Table
Lead: 2 East has Q

K 5 4
4 3
K J 10
4 NT South A Q J 10 8

How many top tricks?

Which card in West allows you to succeed?

Which card in East allows you to succeed?

What is the best play?
A. Lead a heart to the jack
B. Lead a diamond to the jack
C. Lead a diamond to the king

Quit
Top Give Me a Chance!

5. 4 3
None vul J 4 3
A 6 5 3 2
A K J
Table
Lead: K

7 5
A K
K 7 4
5 South Q 10 9 8 7 6

How many top tricks?

Which card might fall to allow you to succeed?

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

What is the best play?
A. Duck a diamond
B. Win the A-K and ruff a heart
C. Lead all your trumps

6. K Q 10 9
None vul A K 5 4 3
A 3
J 2
Table
Lead: Q Spades split 2-2

A J 8 7 6
—
8 6 5 2
6 South A Q 10 9

How many top tricks?

Which suit offers the best chance to succeed?

Which suit offers another chance?

What is the best play?
A. Lead the J and let it ride
B. Ruff a heart
C. Give up a diamond

Quit
Top Give Me a Chance!