Let Your Heart Be Light

The world situation is unlikely to change with this writing, but being light with your heart(s) is sure to help with these problems. In each case, partner leads the  K, and you hold the ace. Do you signal? Or do you overtake with the ace? As East, simply choose your play. Each option will be rated on a 1-to-10 scale, per my judgment.

Bidding is Standard American (except as noted) and you use standard leads and signals. For a reference on these agreements, see my summary of Standard American Bridge (note expanded carding agreements). Assume all players are experts. If you overtake, South plays the 4.

*Prizes include a fully decorated 20-ft. scotch pine, and a case of figgy pudding (if I ever figure out what that is). Winners must be at least 18 years of age, named Nicholas, and be ordained saints. Employees of Saint PavCo Inc. are ineligible.

Problem 1

		You
West Pass Pass	North 2 3	East 2 All Pass	South 1 2

3 by South

	A 8 9 3 A 9 6 5 3 2 Q 10 4
		Q J 7 A Q J 10 7 2 4 K J 9

West leads the  K. As East, how do you defend?

1. Play the  Q
2. Play the  7
3. Play the  2
4. Overtake; lead  Q
5. Overtake; lead  10
6. Overtake; lead  4

Problem 2

		You
West 2 *	North 3 NT	East All Pass	South 1 NT

*both majors

3 NT by South

	8 4 3 8 3 A K Q 8 4 5 3 2
		J 2 A 2 J 10 9 7 6 Q J 10 8

West leads the  K. As East, how do you defend?

1. Play the  2
2. Overtake; lead  J
3. Overtake; lead  2
4. Overtake; lead  2
5. Overtake; lead  J
6. Overtake; lead  Q

Problem 3

		You
West 2 Pass	North Dbl Pass	East 4 Dbl	South 4 All Pass

4 x by South

	Q J 9 4 3 A 5 K Q J 9 5 2
		A 6 5 3 A 10 9 K Q 8 6 2 4

West leads the  K. As East, how do you defend?

1. Play the  10
2. Play the  9
3. Overtake; lead  10
4. Overtake; lead  K
5. Overtake; lead  6
6. Overtake; lead  4

Problem 4

		You
West 3	North 4	East 1 NT All Pass	South 2

4 by South

	A 4 3 9 8 2 Q J 10 A 10 9 2
		K 6 5 A J 5 K 9 7 3 K Q 5

West leads the  K. As East, how do you defend?

1. Play the  J
2. Play the  5
3. Overtake; lead  5
4. Overtake; lead  J
5. Overtake; lead  5
6. Overtake; lead  3

Problem 5

		You
West 4 All Pass	North Dbl	East 2 Pass	South Pass 5

5 by South

	A K Q 7 10 5 10 7 3 A Q J 6
		10 3 A J 8 7 3 2 9 8 2 K 5

West leads the  K. As East, how do you defend?

1. Play the  J
2. Play the  8
3. Play the  2
4. Overtake; lead  10
5. Overtake; lead  3
6. Overtake; lead  9

Problem 6

		You
West Pass Pass Pass	North 2 2 NT* 5	East Pass Pass Pass	South 1 2 4 6

*game force

6 by South

	A 4 9 6 5 2 A K 8 5 2 A 6
		7 6 A J 8 7 3 J 9 4 10 9 2

West leads the  K. As East, how do you defend?

1. Play the  J
2. Play the  8
3. Play the  3
4. Overtake; lead  6
5. Overtake; lead  4
6. Overtake; lead  10

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