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Detail specifications 75OA - Level 2

Suit handling: the hunt for the jack

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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

J
4
    
    
    
A
Q
6
5
3
2
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.

A
Q
10
9
6
5
    
    
    
2
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