Practice Hand 1: Plan Before You Play
Browse topics:
Below are practice questions. Please make a good attempt before looking at the answer.
1. Playing in 4 ♠ , lead is the ♥ Q. Assume trumps break 3-2.
2. Playing in 3 ♥ , lead is the ♦ K. Assume trumps break 3-2.
3. Playing in 4 ♠ , and again the lead is the ♥Q. Assume trumps break 3-2
Solutions
1. Playing in 4 ♠ , lead is the ♥ Q. Assume trumps break 3-2.
Outside of trumps, we have 6 top winners in aces and kings. How many tricks do we have in spades? If we duck one, then when we are in next we cash the Ace, we will have 2 spade winners in hand, and 2 trumps in dummy for ruffing, totalling 4 tricks. If you are unsure about how to get to that number, please check the Article on counting trump tricks.
In other words, win the lead, duck a trump, win any return, cash the Ace of trumps, then cross ruff for 10 tricks. The key point on this hand is being able to count tricks, the execution is fairly simple.
2. Playing in 3 ♥ , lead is the ♦ K. Assume trumps break 3-2.
Outside of trumps we have 3 certain tricks, 1 diamond and 2 clubs. We can also set up 2 spade tricks pretty comfortably, giving us 5 tricks. How many trumps do we have? Same as the above, if we duck one, then cash the ace, we will have 4 total tricks in trumps. That gives 9 tricks. We effectively have two things to do. Set up the spades (to pitch losing clubs on), and then ruff two diamonds. There are things that can go wrong on this hand, but overall that is a very sound plan with good chances of success. So at a very early stage, duck a trump. Remember its not a good idea to play ace and another trump, because then that may give the opponents a chance to draw a third round trump. Once again check the article on counting trump tricks above if this is unclear.
3. Playing in 4 ♠ , and again the lead is the ♥Q. Assume trumps break 3-2
Same as always, counting tricks outside of trumps we have 1 + 1 + 3, totalling 5. How many do we have in trumps? If we simply cash the Ace and King, leaving one at large, we have 5 total tricks (again this is covered in the article on counting trump tricks).
Where to next
Build the habit with guided practice
Reading helps, but trainer reps are what make bidding decisions automatic under pressure. Use the trainer to train your mind and lock this theme in.
Sign up first, then choose your subscription plan. Includes a 7-day free trial.