Puzzle #4

1965 Contest Problem Number 2

by C. D. P. Hamiltion, Jr.

   In a double-dummy problem, both sides play with knowledge of all 52 cards. Earlier (Puzzle # 1), we presented the first of the 1965 series of problems from an invitational solving contest sponsored by C. D. P. Hamilton, Jr., one of the world's leading authorities on double-dummy problems. Here is the second problem.

	NORTH ♠ 2 ♥ J 2 ♦ A J 4 ♣ A K 10 9 8 7 6
WEST ♠ K 10 9 ♥ 6 ♦ K 10 7 6 ♣ Q 5 4 3 2		EAST ♠ 7 6 5 4 3 ♥ Q 9 7 5 ♦ 5 3 2 ♣ J
	SOUTH ♠ A Q J 8 ♥ A K 10 8 4 3 ♦ Q 9 8 ♣ —

   Can South make seven hearts against the lead of the club three? If so, how? If not, what defense defeats the contract?

Solutions

by Kit Woolsey

   The grand slam can be made. Win in dummy, discarding the queen of diamonds, and lead the other top club. If East ruffs, there is no problem. If East discards a diamond, pitch a spade, take two heart finesses, and run hearts. West is caught in a progressive squeeze. If East instead pitches a spade, ruff; then take the ruffing finesse in spades, trumping high. Finesse the eight of trumps and cash the remaining spades. Take the diamond finesse, ruff a club, and lead another diamond to dummy, catching East in a trump coup.

(Adapted from The Bridge Journal.)

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