Ultimate Defence
When I first started playing bridge some 50 years ago the game was still in its infancy but we liked to pride ourselves on being good card players, and had confidence in our own ability as well as that of our partners. That is not an easy thing to do, to have confidence in our partner, is it?
But we did realise that defence was such a difficult part of the game that we just had to try and work on it with a partner who was prepared to reciprocate. I believe our best results were achieved through really good defence, and this will give the reader a good insight into how we worked on our defence.
In those days we knew ONLY two ways of signalling: Encourage/Discourage, and Count Signals. Things have changed somewhat since then, and I have developed many additional ways to help with defence. I have written a whole book on this and will soon be publishing it on Kindle. But in the meantime if the reader wants to get some first hand information, take a look at the following problem and send me your answer to the question I have posed, I will get back to you. Send your answer to me at villyn@xtra.co.nz
Dealer E ALL Vul
This was the bidding in a TEAMS match:
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | 1 |
| Pass | 2 | Pass | 2 |
| Pass | 3 | Pass | 3 |
| Pass | 4 | Pass | 4 |
| Pass | 5 | Pass | Pass |
| Pass |
You are SOUTH. Partner (North) leads the 2and this is what you see in dummy:
| KQ87 |
| QJT63 |
| AT4 |
| 3 |
As South you hold:
| AT543 |
| K87 |
| 763 |
| 42 |
The 4is played from dummy, the 6from you, and declarer wins the 9. Declarer next leads the 2, 6from partner, Qfrom dummy. What is your analysis of the situation? Do you
- win your ace and if so
- what do you play next?
