The Twelfth Trick

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Source: http://www.vba.asn.au/              

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Lead J. Plan the play. Solution over page

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There is a loser in each minor, and the only way to eradicate one of them is to set up a long diamond. That doesn’t look so hard, but a little care and attention wouldn’t go astray. If you play ace and another diamond, a third round of diamonds by the opponents would potentially set up a trump trick for them. You could counter that threat by drawing trumps first, but unfortunately that means that you must use up a precious entry to dummy. The correct play is to win the first trick in your hand and play the jack of diamonds. Win the return in your hand, clear the A, then draw trumps ending in dummy. Ruff a diamond, and use your two heart entries to ruff another round of diamonds, if necessary, and finally enjoy the established diamond.

Now that you’ve handled that one, try this:aaxx

Again you are in 6, and this time a heart is led. How do you play it? Have a think about that and then read on.

aaxxAgain entry considerations limit your options. You should win the heart in hand and lead the Q. When everyone follows, give up on the diamond finesse and play ace then queen of diamonds. It’s a funny game.