Watch Your Step Carefully by Nikola Tcholakov (BUL)

Nikola Tcholakov
Nikola Tcholakov

It is really a good advice for the declarer not to hurry after the lead when dummy goes down. Don’t be mislead by a world champion who immediately touches a card from dummy. Be sure that he had already made a plan for the campaign but in a couple of seconds only.

Dealer West All Vul.

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

You are South here fighting for the d’Orsi Trophy at the World Championship in Chennai in 2015 and the bidding goes this way (dealer West, all vul, layout rotated for convenience):

The Auction:

West North East South
Pass Pass 1 2
*3 Pass 3 Pass
Pass Double Pass  4
End

*3 is explained to be fit showing jump bid – long diamonds and heart support.

West quite surprisingly leads 10, not a heart. Looking at dummy you might be little disappointed because you might make 11 tricks if K is onsite.

So you grab the lead and attack trumps?

Not at all, just don’t hurry! Be aware that while thinking about 11 tricks you might finish down one with 9 only.

From the bidding you should recognize that collecting 11 tricks is dubious because East as an opener looks more like a man with a king of spades.

So be ready to lose the lead twice in the process and the only way to save a diamond looser is West to have only one entry along with his long diamonds.

It is vital therefore to immediately start attacking defenders’ communications. Take the first trick and play a heart, not trump. They will no doubt continue diamonds but you are safe as long as East started with only two which is very likely.

Now it is time to knock out both the ace of trumps and the king of spades to dispose your diamond looser while West remains a helpless bystander of the events.

You probably realized that you have no chance if West happens to have the trump ace and East carefully underleads his hearts after the king of spades. But please don’t ask me what actually happened at the table in Chennai in 2015.

MAS DEL MISMO AUTOR

A Subtle Avoidance Play by David Bird

Almost every issue of International Popular Bridge includes an article by David Bird featuring some bridge in darkest Africa.

Simple Safety Plays by Dr. Paul Stern

Photo: The winning Austria open team at the 1937 world championships: Karl Schneider, Hans Jellinek, Edouard Frischauer, Paul Stern (captain), Josephine Culbertson (US), Walter Herbert, Helen Sobel (US), and Karl von Blöhdorn.

Preempting Style By Steve Robinson

I asked my expert panel -- Let's assume that you're in control of your partnership preempting style. Assume favorable in first seat.

Have You Discussed: Take Out Doubles II by Brent Manley

The takeout double is one of the most-used conventions in bridge.

When you are an intermediate defender by Marilyn Hemenway

Cover an honor with an honor only when there is a chance to promote a card in your own hand or in partner’s hand.

Franck Riehm elected as WBF President

The World Bridge Federation is pleased to announce the...

1st South American Online Mixed Teams Championship

All players belonging to any NBO affiliated to the WBF are welcome!

I Brazilian Online Bridge Festival 2020

Some of the best players in the world are Brazilians, and some of the most enthusiastic players too! Our Brazilian Online Festival has appeal to players of all levels. Your team will play in a friendly but competitive atmosphere, with very well-organized scoring and experienced Directors to ensure a pleasant experience for all.

WBF Robot Tournaments

Come and join the competition through our Providers, BBO, Funbridge and Ourgame, all offering you this great opportunity – we look forward to some challenging tournaments!”

The Endplay

An endplay (also throw-in), in bridge, is a tactical play where a defender is put on lead at a strategic moment, and then has to make a play that loses one or more tricks.

The Scissors Coup by John Brown

Scissors coup (or, Scissor coup, ) is a type of coup in bridge, so named because it cuts communications between defenders.

World Bridge Federation – Youth

The Championship is open to all players born on or after 1st January 1992 (Juniors & Girls) or born on or after 1st January 1997 (Youngsters) or born on or after 1st January 2002 (Kids) in good standing with their own NBOs.

Prevent a Ruff by Jon Brown

West led his singleton club, which dummy's king won. South read the lead as a singleton.

RELACIONADOS

CATEGORIAS POPULARES