A Discussion on Bridge

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 28 January 1933, Page 13

A Discussion on Bridge

(BY “TWO ACIJS.’’)

the: proctor problem. S—7, 0. H—J, 4. D—C—A, 3. qi • g I 7r q g H—lo, 5, 3 5V- A , B £s* lI—A, K. C. D —lo, 9. C—lo.

Spades arc trumps. Z has the lead and must take all the tricks against any defence. The problem quoted above and given in the “Star" a fortnight ago is a study' in discards anil the establishment bv Z of what is known as a “’■squeeze. ’ ’ It is simple enough to take five tricks, but the taking of the sixth tric-k by Z and Y r presents a good deal of difficulty. Z must keep cards of rc-cntrv in his own hand nnd the crucial trick is the first, -when Z discards the knave of hearts in order to leave the way clear to play through B’s hearts later if necessary. The first lead is the Ace of hearts from Z’s hand, on which A plays the nine and Y the knave, while B plays the three. Z then play.s the ten of diamonds, A plays the six, Y trumps with the six of spades, and B plays the seven of diamonds. Z then endeavours to force discards from A’s hand and B’s hand and so leads the seven of spades; B obviously' cannot discard a heart; it has to be either the club or the diamond, so he will choose the club; Z discards the ten of ciubs and as B has the diamond Queen for the nine in Z’s hand, A discards the knave of diamonds. Then Z leads the Ace of clubs from Y’s hand; if B discards the Queen of diamonds Z will discard the small heart from his own hand, then go across with the king of hearts and make the nine of diamonds. If, on the other hand; B decides to discard a heart Z then discards the nine of diamonds, comes across with a small heart from Y~’s hand and makes both hearts. By discarding the ten of clubs on tbe spade lead, Z gives himself the choice in the next discard from his own hand I when he leads the Ace of clubs from Y’s hand. If, when he leads the seven of spades, he gets rid of his diamond he must lose.

This problem is an object lesson on discarding, a most important part of the game and one over which even old players are far too slack.

Hr * 1* •* * Hero is a question on the play ot* a hand:— Cl . « eo '.o' . o w rf t--1w p i ' IQ* b'o • GO r—! '-fi Z--*Z * N **** ■ 7 ® < <! } 9^ ilUci — -i&ik iri CO c^T. S s'^ < II I I m rt w O Seore, game all. Z deals and bids two no trumps. All pass. A opens with the jack of clubs. flow should Z play to make certain of game? Y’s hand is, of course, the only hand exposed.