Main

Detail specifications 75OA - Level 2 ★

Suit handling: the hunt for the jack

Back to the summary
Maniement de couleur : vous êtes déclarant du contrat, vous disposez de toutes les communications, comment procéder ?
Example :
You are in South, you have all the communications required and must get 5 tricks in ♦ to make your contract.
The correct reasoning
  • Ccount the missing cards and the possible distributions
  • If they break 3-2, you'll always get 5 tricks
  • If the 5 missing cards break 4-1 you'll always concede 2 tricks and go down, unless the King ♦ is stiff
  • So, it is that situation that should guide your play :Draw the Ace first

Jack Diamonds
4 Diamonds
    
    
    
Ace Diamonds
Queen Diamonds
6 Diamonds
5 Diamonds
3 Diamonds
2 Diamonds
Exercise 25034 Draw the Ace first sIf the ♦ break 3-2, you'll get 5 tricks
If they break 4-1 The only chance for making 5 tricks is to find a stiff King
 
 
Suit handling : How to proceedr ?
Example :
You are in South, You have all the communications and must get 5 tricks in ♣ to make your contract. You have 7 cards in that suit.
The 'right' reasoning
  • Count the missing cards and list the possible breaks
  • First case, a3-3 break
    • playing the Queen works if the King is 3rd in West/li>
    • playing the 10 works when West has the Jack 3rd
    • there is no 'miracle solution' ; these 2 options are equivalent
  • 2nd case West has the King or Jack doubleton, you'll always get 5 tricks
  • 3rd case: West has 4 cards in♣ you have to fing the King 4th to make (and not the Jack!). It is that last potential break that should guide your play.

Ace Clubs
Queen Clubs
10 Clubs
9 Clubs
6 Clubs
5 Clubs
    
    
    
2 Clubs
Exercise 25026 the 'right' play is to play the Queen on the first round. The Ace will capture the Jack and you'll only concede the King
 
 
Back to the summary