SAFETY PLAYS AT THE TABLE

By Neil Petrie

 

 

            We spent all our time last lesson looking at typical card combinations and how to play them for maximum safety against adverse breaks.  One comment I received after that presentation was this:  “I can figure out these things given enough time, but at the table I’m usually too hurried to be able to find the right play.  So today let’s look at some example hands and consider the decisions you’ll have to make at the table.

 

TWO TALES OF THE SPADE KING

 

1.  The bidding has gone 1S—2D—3S—4D—4S—end.  Left hand opponent leads the diamond king, followed by a diamond to the ace.  At trick three, RHO returns the nine of hearts.  Plan your play.  Think about the only possible card combinations that might defeat your contract.  Would you play any differently at IMPs and at match points?

 

            AJ10xxx                      Q9xx

            AKQxx                        J10

            xx                                xx

            ---                                Jxxxx

 

2.  Some eerie similarities here:  the bidding goes 1S—2D—2S—Dbl—3S—P—4S—end.  LHO leads a small heart and you win in hand with a high honor.  Plan your play.  Again, what are the worst things that can happen?  As in the previous hand, you need to decide whether to finesse for the spade king or not.  Give reasons for and against the finesse.  Would match points or IMPs make a difference to you?

 

            AJ10xxx                      Qxxx

            AKQx                          x

            Qx                               Kxxx

            x                                  Kxxx

 

MORE EXAMPLE HANDS

 

3.  The contract is 3NT.  Forget the fact that 5C is a superior contract from a safety standpoint.  LHO leads a spade and you capture the 9 with your jack.  If you can find the minor queens you’ll take all the tricks!  Plan your play.

 

            KJx                              x

            Axx                             Kx

            xx                                AKJxxx

            A109xx                       KJxx

 

 

 

 

 

4.  You are playing 4H and get a spade lead.  Plan the play.  What is the main danger in this hand?  Be sure to count both possible winners and losers.

 

            Ax                               Kx

            KJ9xx                          A10xx

            Kxx                             AQJx

            Kxx                             xxx

 

5.  You are playing 4H.  LHO leads the diamond king.  You note with some satisfaction that all your losers will go away on dummy’s solid clubs if the hearts behave.  You also like the fact that the opponents didn’t cash some spades before giving you this chance to take all the tricks.  Plan the play.  Again, would you play any differently at match points than at IMPs?

 

            xxx                              xx

            AKJ10xxx                   xx

            x                                  Axx

            xx                                AKQJxx