When to Trump Partner’s Ace by Oswald Jacoby

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The Tuscaloosa News – 26 Jun 1958

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With today’s hand I take leave of Watson’s book on play for a while. As Watson points out, the man who trump’s his partner’s ace is seldom regarded favorably in bridge circles but there is a time and place for every play: even that one.

West opens the ace of diamonds against the five-heart contract, and if East is up on his toes he must trump that ace. West had bid five diamonds all by himself and is vulnerable. Surely he holds an eight card suit. Also he ought to have the spade ace on the side.

Dummy has a nice long club suit and it is a cinch that South has all the missing high trumps. Hence, it is essential that East and West get in their spade tricks right away. With ace king of spades, West would have opened a spade. Hence, South must hold the king. No more thought is necessary. East should trump his partner’s ace and lead the queen of spades.