banner

Puzzle 19

North
5
Q 7 5 2
K 7
A J 10 8 4 3
West
6 3 2
10 8 4
A 6 4 3
9 5 2
East
J 10 9 8
A K J 6
10 9
K Q 6
South
A K Q 7 5
9 8
Q J 8 5 2
7

The bidding:
South West North East
5 nil 2 4

South leads the 5
You lead the 5, partner's king collecting the four from West and the nine from East. On the diamond return, you win East's ten as West drops the six. You try a third round, the deuce. West plays the three, North discards the jack of clubs, and East trumps with the spade eight.

While East considers his lead, what plan are you hatching?

Show All Cards
Solution

West is now clutching the lone ace of diamonds. If you can draw East's spades you can feed West that last, fateful diamond. You have to assume the opponent's spades are divided 3-3, of course.

Trump a heart or club as soon as you can and reel off the three top spades. Then pause for a while before your next play so you can watch West squirm.



Home Puzzles previous puzzle next puzzle
Home Index Previous Next