[eagles123]

A Matchpoints problem for Novice/Beginner

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♦A 3 9 7
♦K 5 4 T
♦6 Q 8 ♥2
♥ 5 8 K 3
♥ 9 4 A ♣4

what now:

Hint: opps will use best defence and clubs split 4-4

[kuhchung]

nice hand

Spoiler

needs RHO to have either 4 diamonds (sorry, posted lazy train of thought) or at least 2 spades right?

This post has been edited by kuhchung: 2014-October-01, 01:38

[Winstonm]

This hand may be a little too advanced for novice/beginner.

[Wackojack]

Great MP problem. Sorry don't know how to do the spoiler. You would get a near top if you found this play on a club night so not for novice/beginners. If I am right it would work when East has 2434, 2443, 3433 playing it Plan A. However, we know (unless East was a super devious player or just plain careless) that East has exactly 3 diamonds. Or if East started with 4432 you have to play plan B. So play for the former and in accordace with Eagles hint.

[Winstonm]

Spoiler

Trump coup is needed, meaning we have to both shorten our trumps to the same number as east and end up with the lead in dummy at the critical time. So, spades from the top - assuming RHO does not ruff, we have to discard either the ace or king of clubs on the spade queen. We then have to ruff a spade or diamond in order to shorten ourselves. At last, we play two high clubs, ending in dummy. Then when we lead from dummy, RHO will have to ruff in front of us and we coup his honor.