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Where’s the Queen?


  by Richard Pavlicek

This month’s deal occurred at the FLBC some years back. Those who guessed how to play the heart suit won 11 tricks; those who didn’t won only 10 tricks. The difference, a simple overtrick, is quite significant at matchpoint scoring. Would you guess it right?

South DealsS A J 8 3WestNorthEastSouth
N-S VulH K 9 5 21 H
D K 8 2Pass3 HPass4 H
C 10 2PassPassPass
S K 5TableS 10 9 7 6 2
H Q 8 7H
D 7 6 5D J 10 9 3
C Q J 9 7 4C A K 8 6
S Q 4
H A J 10 6 4 3
D A Q 4
4 H SouthC 5 3

North’s jump to 3 H was a limit raise showing 10-12 points and invitational to game. South held minimum high-card strength, but the possession of a six-card suit was ample incentive to bid game.

Assume West leads the C Q, and the defenders cash two club tricks then shift to a diamond. The problem is which top heart to cash first; either play could be right depending on which opponent, if any, held Q-x-x.

There are many reasonings one might use: (1) Cash the king because it is in the shorter hand; (2) cash the ace since the queen lies over the jack; (3) lead the jack and, if West does not cover, play the king; (4) cash the ace since West has shown more high cards.

None of these are valid. The only slight indication is that West had an opportunity to bid at a low level; with a heart void at favorable vulnerability, he might have done so. Therefore, cash the H A in case East is void.

The astute reader may notice another advantage in cashing the H A first. It guarantees the contract. If East instead held H Q-x-x, declarer would cash the H K and all his diamond winners, then exit with a heart. East would be endplayed!

Article 7K09   MainTop   Where’s the Queen?

© 1997 Richard Pavlicek