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The Aces On Bridge by Bobby Wolff
Opening Lead: ♣A
Today's problem comes from a bridge book, Patrick Jourdain's "Problem Corner," published by Master Point Press, and is typical of the author's challenging but fair tests of your skill. The author was for many years the editor of the International Bridge Press Association, the bridge journalist's bible, since it publishes news and hands from all around the world. Bridge magazines are becoming thinner and thinner these days, but you can read a selection of scintillating deals here.
If you want to set yourself a realistic test, consider how South should play four hearts here, but first cover up the East and West cards. West, who has overcalled one spade, cashes the club ace at trick one and then switches to a low diamond. What are the dangers, and how can you short-circuit them?
The danger is that West has led a singleton club ace and is planning to win the first trump and put his partner on lead with a second diamond in order to obtain his club ruff.
The only entry to the East hand rates to be in diamonds. How can you prevent him from coming on lead? The secret is that you should win the diamond lead at once and play the spade king, discarding a diamond from hand when East is unable to cover. This elegant maneuver, aptly named the Scissors Coup, cuts the defenders’ communications.
Bid with the aces
Answer: 2NT
Despite your fine intermediates, this hand does not seem worth a force to game. The choice is a raise to three clubs, an eclectic raise to three hearts, or the simple invitational call of two no-trump. This last option seems like the most flexible route to go.
This Hand of the Day was originally published on aces.bridgeblogging.com.
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