End Play Exercise |
Show Detail |
This testing hand came up on Bridge Club Live. South (Declarer) is on lead having lost two tricks.
They can only lose one more and the ♥ A will definitely be lost so you can not lose any other tricks if you are to make your contract.
The contract is makeable. Can you see how?
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Show Answer |
You can throw one Spade on a Diamond but you don't have a third Diamond on which to throw away Dummy's second losing Spade. West does though...
The trick here is to throw West in with the ♥ A when she has no choice but to lead a diamond on which you throw the third Spade whilst you ruff in hand, or lead away from the ♠ K allowing you to play the ♠ Q which holds. Card-by-card it goes:
Play the ♦ Q, West Covers and you ruff. You need to be back in hand to play the ♦ J and the best way is to ruff the ♣ Q (yes I know it's a winner but the entry to your hand is more important). Now play the ♦ J and throw the ♠ 2 from Dummy. Then exit with a Heart to West's ♥ A. She can now only lead a Diamond (Ruff and Discard ♠ 6) or a Spade allowing you to win a trick with the ♠ Q.
This is called an Elimination Play because you eliminate suit(s) before throwing a Player in, leaving them with no choice but to give a trick away. |
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