The Day – 29 Nov 1991
“Why do these things happen to me?” Unlucky Louie pleaded.
“What now?” I sighed, knowing I would hear about it whether or not I asked.
“We got to a good six notrump,” Louie began, displaying today”s deal, “and West”s spade lead was covered by the queen, king, and ace. Of course, I decided to take the safety play by playing low from both hands on the first diamond.”
“Very good,” I nodded. “You guard against West”s holding all four diamonds.”
Plays the Queen
“”Now what do you do,” Louie asked, “when you lead a diamond, and West plays the QUEEN?”
I laughed.
“Admit it,” Louie said. “You”d take the ace, just as I did, expecting an overtrick. And you”d go down, just as I did.”
“West applied a false carding principle.” I said. “Go ahead and play a card you”re known to hold, or will soon be known to hold.”
“Oh no.” Louie growled. “West was a beginner. He said he played the queen to force out the ace.”
“Well,” I said, “he succeeded.”
And Louie stalked away.