Friday, April 29, 2011

Fast relexes

Playing online last night, I was declarer in 5 after the opponents bid diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds. West led the 7, an obvious singleton. Here is what I saw:

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

I won the A and cashed the A K, pleased to see the suit split 2-2. Next I advanced a low club and played dummy's 9 which forced the queen. (Yes, I know West could play the queen from Q 10 x, but this is online don't forget.) East tried to cash a diamond. I ruffed and led another club to the 10, jack and king. East cashed the K and I was down one. Here are all four hands:

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

Minus 50 was a loss of 8.66 IMPs. I was a little annoyed to note that 5 was cold. It wasn't until today that a friend pointed out that 5 was also cold!

Even though it's a singleton, I need to duck the opening lead. East can win the K, but then what? If he gives West a ruff, I win any return, draw trumps and run the heart suit. All other defenses also lead to 11 tricks.

Winning the A was a reflexive play. Like so many contracts, the play at trick one was crucial.

3 comments:

  1. Good hand--always good to slow down a little. What's your online name? Maybe we could team up against the robots late one night and give them a run for their money!
    Jenn :-)

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  2. @Jennifer: I'm Mojo on OKbridge and Wired on BBO. Would love to play sometime.

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  3. I'm bedazzled and befogged...you guys speak a foreign language. It's nice, but I don't have the heart for it. :-)

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