[Shugart23]

Playing 6 NT, My dummy has Q,10 in clubs My hand has A,9,8,xxxx Opponents have K,J,x,x I have complete control of the other suits and transportation........what is the correct way to play clubs ? What I did worked, but not sure it was optimal. Thank you

[mcphee]

Q from dummy loses to KJX and KJX on left and wins on other holding assuming you continue and finess again the next round. So those are the only 2 holdings out of 4 cards with all other shapes winning via leading the Q. Leading low toard the Q has too many chances of losing 2 tricks if you guess the wrong card when LHO plays low. I am sure Fred G has worked this out in his Bridge Master.

[Shugart23]

I led the 10 from dummy, intending to let it ride...If it failed, I intended to lead Ace of clubs when I got in next......I think this might be the best percentage play, but not certain......As it turned out, KJx was to my right and so I was a happy camper...

[KurtGodel]

mcphee, on 2015-May-23, 08:20, said:

Q from dummy loses to KJX and KJX on left and wins on other holding assuming you continue and finess again the next round. So those are the only 2 holdings out of 4 cards with all other shapes winning via leading the Q. Leading low toard the Q has too many chances of losing 2 tricks if you guess the wrong card when LHO plays low. I am sure Fred G has worked this out in his Bridge Master.

You can't pick up KJxx onside either.

[Shugart23]

so what is the right play ?

[manudude03]

I think running the queen is best. It is pretty much always a wash when compared to running the ten with regards to making it, but it might give you +1 if it the layout is Kxx vs J. Low to the QT gives you problems if 4th hand wins the first trick.

[Stephen Tu]

KurtGodel, on 2015-May-23, 09:36, said:

You can't pick up KJxx onside either.

??? You should think again.

Run Q is best, you pick up stiff J offside for no losers while being as good as anything for 6 tricks. If it loses to the K offside though, you should plop down the ace next, as KJ offside is a small bit more likely than stiff K offside.

[alok c]

Play small club from hand.

[KurtGodel]

Stephen Tu, on 2015-May-23, 13:09, said:

??? You should think again.

Run Q is best, you pick up stiff J offside for no losers while being as good as anything for 6 tricks. If it loses to the K offside though, you should plop down the ace next, as KJ offside is a small bit more likely than stiff K offside.

I'm not saying it's not the best play, I'm just saying that you can't pick up KJxx onside. If you cover at most one time, then you still have a club stop! This isn't up for debate, maybe you should deal yourself some cards and try it out.

[PhilKing]

KurtGodel, on 2015-May-24, 02:58, said:

I'm not saying it's not the best play, I'm just saying that you can't pick up KJxx onside. If you cover at most one time, then you still have a club stop! This isn't up for debate, maybe you should deal yourself some cards and try it out.

What?

[nate_m]

KurtGodel, on 2015-May-24, 02:58, said:

I'm not saying it's not the best play, I'm just saying that you can't pick up KJxx onside. If you cover at most one time, then you still have a club stop! This isn't up for debate, maybe you should deal yourself some cards and try it out.

In context it obviously means pick up KJxx onside for one loser.

[KurtGodel]

nate_m, on 2015-May-24, 03:23, said:

In context it obviously means pick up KJxx onside for one loser.

Ah yes of course. Feel sheepish now.

[KurtGodel]

PhilKing, on 2015-May-24, 03:10, said:

What?

This error of mine reminds me of a time I played against you and Martin at the YC and asked whether he could be 5422 after having opened 1NT, he had just shown up with 6 diamonds...
No more tired bridge

[GrahamJson]

The "Suit Combinations" section of The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge unfortunately doesn't cover this precisely but has an analogous layout of A1098xxx opposite Qx. The recommended line is to run the Q the, if this looses, play the A. Chances of six tricks is 77%

[dave_beer]

mcphee, on 2015-May-23, 08:20, said:

Q from dummy loses to KJX and KJX on left and wins on other holding assuming you continue and finess again the next round. So those are the only 2 holdings out of 4 cards with all other shapes winning via leading the Q. Leading low toard the Q has too many chances of losing 2 tricks if you guess the wrong card when LHO plays low. I am sure Fred G has worked this out in his Bridge Master.

Lead the Q from dummy intending to let it ride if not covered. If it loses, cash the A next (unless LHO showed out). This wins when
(1) suit is 2-2
(2) suit is 3-1 and either honor is singleton onside
(3) suit is 3-1 and both honors are onside
(4) suit is 3-1 and the J is singleton offside
(5) suit is 4-0 onside

Leading the T from dummy has the same expectation of taking 6 tricks but doesn't take 7 in case (4) above but does take 6 when stiff K is offside.

I don't know about Bridge Master but there is a free application called SuitPlay that you can get by sending an e-mail to SuitPlayRequestOnly@kpnmail.nl. See instructions on suitplay.com for details.

[gszes]

Leading the Q and intending to let it ride followed by rising with ace if it loses is the best in a vacuum. If possible look for safe ways to try and determine distribution (or any opp bidding) that might cause you to rethink your plan. For ex if your lho opened the bidding leading from hand to the Q would be far superior or if rho made a big preemtive bid you will probably also be better off leading from hand toward the Q since lho would become a big favorite to hold more clubs than rho.

[Trick13]

From here: http://bridge.esmarkkappel.dk/


Starting with the Q or T is best for 6 tricks at 76.57%.
Start with the Q and you have a 6.22% chance of 7.

[jodepp]

KurtGodel, on 2015-May-23, 09:36, said:

You can't pick up KJxx onside either.

You can if you run clubs through him

[nige1]

Trick13, on 2015-May-24, 15:35, said:

From here: http://bridge.esmarkkappel.dk/
Starting with the Q or T is best for 6 tricks at 76.57%.
Start with the Q and you have a 6.22% chance of 7.

Thank you for the link, Trick13