 8 5 4
 8 7 4 3
 8 7 5
 K J 2 |
| Q J
A K J 10 6 5 2
A K
6 5 |
| West | North | East | South |
| Pass | Pass | Pass | 4 |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
As his partner was a passed hand, South decided that they were unlikely to have a slam. So, he opened 4. He would not gain universal acceptance for his point of view.
West leads the A. He continues with the K and 10. South is called to the telephone and you are asked to take his place.
You ruff the third spade and cash the A: queen, three, nine.
You might cash a few winners, but eventually you will have to play a club.
Will you play dummy’s jack or king? Why?
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
⇓
| 8 5 4
8 7 4 3
8 7 5
K J 2 |
||
| A K 10 9
Q
9 6 3 2
Q 9 8 7 |
7 6 3 2
9
Q J 10 4
A 10 4 3 |
|
| Q J
A K J 10 6 5 2
A K
6 5 |
Bridge is a game of negative inferences. You learn information from something that didn’t happen.
Here, the “didn’t” was West’s initial pass. West couldn’t open the bidding, yet he has already produced the AK and Q.
How can he have the A as well?
He cannot (unless he is a very cautious bidder). You should play a club to dummy’s jack. If your luck is in, West will have the queen and your game contract will come home.
Always bear in mind what a pass tells you.
