Exercise 4J41   Main

Defending with Signals

by Richard Pavlicek

As West or East, answer each question about the defense.

1. Both Vul	Q 9 3 K Q 3 2 7 6 2 A Q 2			West Pass All Pass	North 2 NT	East Pass	SOUTH 1 4
2 9 7 6 5 A K 10 4 3 10 8 7			4 South

You lead the K and East plays the queen. What do you lead next?

If South leads the 4, which heart do you play?

If South leads the 5, which club do you play?

2. None Vul	A K 9 5 A Q 7 6 5 3 J 8 5			West Pass	NORTH 1 2	East Pass All Pass	South 1
7 6 J 9 8 K Q 10 4 K 10 9 7			2 South

You lead the K, East plays the seven and South the two. Your next lead?

If South leads the 2, which heart do you play?

If South leads the 2, which club do you play?

Exercise 4J41   Main

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3. E-W Vul	Q J 7 5 4 3 Q J 9 8 3 7 4			West Pass	North 3 NT	East All Pass	SOUTH 2 NT
5 2 A Q J 8 10 2 J 10 9 8 3			3 NT South

You lead the J, East plays the two and South the king. Who has the Q?

South leads the K. Your diamond play?

East takes the A on the third round. Your discard?

4. Both Vul	Q 10 9 10 4 2 5 4 3 K Q J 8			West Pass All Pass	North 2	East Pass	SOUTH 1 4
4 South			K 8 3 J 9 8 10 8 2 9 6 4 2

West leads the Q. Which diamond do you play?

Which heart do you play when trumps are first led?

If South leads the 3 to North’s king, which club do you play?

Exercise 4J41   Main

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5. N-S Vul	Q 10 6 K J K Q 8 5 7 6 4 3			West Pass	North 3 NT	East All Pass	SOUTH 1 NT
3 NT South			8 4 3 2 A Q 10 8 7 J 3 9 2

West leads the Q. Which club do you play?

If South leads the 2 to North’s king, which diamond do you play?

What is your first discard as diamonds are led?

6. E-W Vul	A 9 3 2 K Q J 4 K 9 J 6 4			West Pass All Pass	North 3	East Pass	SOUTH 1 4
4 South			8 4 A 9 5 2 A Q 4 10 8 3 2

West leads the K. Which club do you play?

Which spade do you play when trumps are first led?

If South leads the 3 and the play goes eight, king, which heart do you play?

Exercise 4J41   Main

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© 1994 Richard Pavlicek