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"Double dummy" refers to the analysis and play of some deal with all four hands exposed. The term dummy is a bridge term referring to the one player that faces his cards when the bidding concludes and the opening lead is made. Studies of single dummy (problems that show only two hands) or double dummy (showing all four hands) provide various problem solvers with many different challenges. 1.) Most are very difficult and challenging, that provoke many trial and error attempts before finally solving the problem. 2.) Some are unique; easy to solve, or interesting and offer us with exhilaration when the solution stares us in the face. 3.) All are instructive in basic play, with many that are instructive in the ways of expert techniques. According to Ernest Bergholt (Whist guru), "double dummy problems are the grammar of whist." 4.) This examples of basic play, avoidance play, blocking, entries, squeezes, endplays, strip, and coups can be illustrated utilizing double dummy problems. A careful study will be necessary of all the cards. Look for winning and losing lines of play. The solutions may not come very easy. Some may take minutes, while others may take weeks or months to solve. Always assume the opponents will give the best defense possible, with the solution revolving around this perfect defense. If you like a good brain-teaser I have one here. I challenge you to solve this one. Submit your solution to Master Spades and receive credit. I strongly advise that you work out your methodology completely before submitting an answer. I sincerely hope this puzzle will open your eyes to the magic and the mystery of card techniques thus stimulating appetites for growth in these areas of our game.
The North-South bid is 12. The opening lead is the King of hearts. Wow, getting a ruff and sluff on the opening lead lol. Can you make 12 tricks with this hand? One way does exists and there is nothing that East-West can do about it. Good luck, don't get discouraged! A way truly exists, but it is not so obvious. This little teaser appeared many years ago. It is one of my favorites, and we give credit to Giordano Natucci (Italy) for coming up with it. This problem appeared in 1962. Regards, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The first correct solution has been submitted 5/24/01:
Congratulations to Josh Leiner!
Correct solution by Phlexicon 5/27/01. "This one took me an hour...should I be embarrassed?"
Correct solution by LisaMN 6/12/01. "Excellent puzzle..........I really had to work on this one.
Thank you for the mental exercise. :) It took me 3 hours longer than Phlexicon to solve it."
Correct solution by Big Chris of Dallas 6/20/01. And Chris has challenged us with a Spades puzzle of
his own.
See if you are clever enough to win All Thirteen Tricks.
Correct solution by Stephen Fung 6/27/01. "Great puzzles. Lots of fun."
Correct solution by Spadus Maximus 7/20/01. "Cool puzzle. Took me a little over an hour
to solve this."
Correct solution by Gavin Donaldson 9/19/01."Truly a great problem, which took me around 2 hours
to solve."
Correct solution by Alexandru Frunza 7/08/02.
"Are you kidding me? Took me 2 or 3 minutes to find the answer...come up with something harder next time lol."
Correct solution by Vince Mounts 7/31/02.
"I solved the problem in roughly a half hour(I spent about 20 minutes on it and then
played it out with a real deck just to be sure."
Correct solution by Michael Stavrou 8/22/02.
"Computer are dumb, they can only give answers."
Correct solution by Gavin Pulbrook 11/25/02.
"This complex puzzle took approx 45 mins. I found the use of a real deck and playing the hands with the best logical defense to be the best option."
Correct solution by Keith Kienzle 11/28/02.
"Couldn't do it drunk last night, took about 10 minutes this morning. Good
puzzle, thanks. P.S. -- Don't drink and spade."
Correct solution by Abe 12/15/02.
"I realize this is my second try, so no credit is merited. I just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks, and keep up the great work."
Correct solution by Jon Vitt 01/10/03.
"Very good problem, got me thinking and got me pulling out my hair. Took me
about an hour."
Stuck! Angelique D. 11/17/03 "I can't figure this out for the life of me. Please let me in on the secret. Its been driving me nuts all weekend long."
6 4 3
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10 6 5 4 3 2
8 4 3 2