A Lead Problem from the Tolle by Ian Walsh
Published December 2014West | North | East | South |
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- 3 End |
1 4 |
Dbl 5 |
3(1) 5 |
(1)A fit-jump agreeing hearts and showing a good club suit |
After an aggressive auction we pushed the opponents to the 5-level and with two aces I was hopeful of a successful defence if partner could contribute a trick. What should I lead at trick one?
A 8 5 2 9 Q 10 7 4 A Q 3 2 |
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I thought along the following lines:
- If I credited the opposition with 25 points for their game and added my 12, partner had made a free bid with circa 3 points. To justify bidding three diamonds with such skimpy values suggested a 5-card or longer suit together with perhaps a bit of shape. Didn't seem likely partner had the ace of diamonds.
- If partner had five diamonds we are missing four which were likely to be split 3-1. If they were 2-2 they would probably have doubled five diamonds instead of taking the push to five hearts. If didn't look like we had a diamond trick coming our way.
- Opener jumped to four hearts ... perhaps their hand had improved because of a fit for responders clubs? If so, partner was short in clubs ... so I duly led the ace of clubs.
Clubs were indeed 3-1! Alas, it was the opening bidder who was short. It turns out it didn't matter what I had led as five hearts always makes. Oh well maybe next time ...
The full hand:
Dealer North. N/S Game. | ||
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K Q 7 4 3 A K J 8 7 3 6 6 |
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J 9 6 Q 10 K J 5 3 2 10 9 4 |
A 8 5 2 9 Q 10 7 4 A Q 3 2 |
|
10 6 5 4 2 A 9 8 K J 8 7 5 |