Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Playing on autopilot

Here's another excellent deal from the International Bridge Press Association newsletter:

7 6
10 6 5
A J 10 8 7
A J 7
==
A K 8 4
A K Q
K 5 2
K Q 5

South was the declarer in 6NT. West led the Q. South won with the ace and played the K -- the contract could no longer be made. Here are all four hands:

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

Playing the K seems automatic, doesn't it?

Declarer has eight tricks outside the diamond suit. To ensure the contract, he needs to score four diamond tricks. To do that, South should play a low diamond at trick two. If West follows, declarer can insert the J. If, as is the case here, West shows out, declarer again plays the J.

If East takes the queen, declarer wins the return, crosses to the J and advances the 7. Whether East covers or not, South has four diamond tricks and claims his slam.

1 comment:

  1. The last time I went flying, I think the plane was on "autopilot." I hope so, 'cause the captain was roaming about the cabin!

    What does this have to do with bridge?

    I dunno.

    ReplyDelete