Defender Trapped By ‘Hideous Hog’ by Victor Mollo

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The Milwaukee Sentinel – Dec 16, 1975 by Ira Corn

George Burns, Ira Corn, Bobby Wolff, Charlie Weed
George Burns, Ira Corn, Bobby Wolff, Charlie Weed

Victor Mollo, the most notable bridge humorist of our time, has produced another marvelous book. «Bridge in the Fourth Dimension.« The book includes a collection of Mollo masterpieces which deal with bridge characters to whom we have all been exposed. One of these is the repugnant «Hideous Hog.» whose bad manners are amplified by his excellent play.

Today’s unusual hand describes the Hog (South) in action against two of his arch enemies. His partner is as un-ranked player.aa

Opening lead: heart3

The Hog’s bid of three no-trump declares, «Yes four spades or five diamonds might prove better. But with so dim witted a creature opposite, how could one hope to find out?

Besides, there was always the risk that unless one acted quickly the wrong man would play the hand.»

«Bit of a misfit!» murmured a kibitzer.

‘What a contract!» observed another.

Even without a lead, the club suit looked pretty dead. East’s overcall made it unlikely that either of dummy’s queens would provide the added entry to run the clubs. The Hog played a low heart from dummy, and East won the jack. The queen was continued, and declarer discarded the club king as he won in dummy. The heart ace was cashed, and declarer discarded his club ace. Now came the club Jack, and East had the lead.

Victor Mollo
Victor Mollo

Not wishing to lead to either of dummy’s queens, East exited with another club and  dummy’s clubs were run, East discarding the diamond 10 on the last club.

A low spade was led from dummy, and East failed to be brilliant. Had he played his jack, East would have avoided the trap, but he carelessly played his 9. Declarer won the spade king and  led another, forcing East to win, and the eventual forced diamond lead away from East’s king produced the vital ninth trick.

A highly entertaining book which I consider a must for every bridge player.