Puzzle #13

1966 Problem #2

by Jean Roche

   This is the second problem from C. D. P. Hamilton, Jr.'s "non-speed" 1966 invitational double-dummy contest.

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

   Can South make four spades against the lead of the diamond queen?

Solutions

   Yes. South must win the first trick (if not, the defense can play two top spades and a diamond) and lead the heart jack, allowing West's queen to win. The main line (from which there are variations of detail but not of idea) is: spade king, spade ace, heart ten to dummy, heart ace (South discards the diamond nine; all other attempts will fail), diamond ace, club jack, heart six (a winner) led. If East ruffs, South finishes the trumps to squeeze West between the minors; if not, South discards, ruffs a diamond and plays to the club ace to coup East.

(Adapted from The Bridge Journal.)

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