“Simple Saturday” columns treat basic technique and logical thinking.
Learning players are introduced to the finesse early. But some finesses are better than others: A “bad” finesse can’t win or gains nothing if it does win; a “good” finesse may gain even if it loses.
At four hearts, South won the first diamond with the king and led a trump. West won and led another diamond to dummy’s ace. South drew trumps and led the queen of spades to finesse, but West won and cashed a diamond. Later, South lost a finesse in clubs also. Down one.
FOUR LOSERS
South has four possible losers but an extra winner in spades he can use to pitch a diamond from his hand. After he wins the first trick, he can lead the ace and ten of spades. No finesse. South wins West’s diamond return and discards his last diamond on the queen of spades. Then he can lead trumps.
Note that South is unlikely to gain, and may lose as the cards lie, if he wins the first diamond in dummy and leads the queen of spades.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q J 6 H K 8 7 3 D A 8 5 C A 6 3. The dealer, at your right, opens one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: Had you been the dealer, you would have opened the bidding (with a “prepared” one club since you have no option). When your opponent opens, you need not act, even with 14 points. This hand has a lot of losers; it is good for defense but won’t make a good dummy for your partner if you double and oblige him to become declarer. Pass.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q J 6
H K 8 7 3
D A 8 5
C A 6 3
WEST
S K 7 5 2
H A 6 4
D Q J 10 6
C 9 7
EAST
S 9 8 4 3
H 5
D 9 4 3
C K 8 5 4 2
SOUTH
S A 10
H Q J 10 9 2
D K 7 2
C Q J 10
South West North East
1 H Pass 2 NT Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D Q
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Originally published at Frank Stewart