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From: halle@hou2b.UUCP (J.HALLE)
Newsgroups: net.rec.bridge
Subject: Re: lucky or good
Message-ID: <564@hou2b.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 26-Jun-85 17:26:22 EDT
Article-I.D.: hou2b.564
Posted: Wed Jun 26 17:26:22 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 27-Jun-85 06:36:16 EDT
References: <1183@ihuxe.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 23

I'm not sure whether I'd call it lucky that your pair threw away
the hand, or good in doing what was necessary to allow it.  In either
case, you blew it at several points.

I don't necessarily agree with the double, but I find it hard to call
wrong.  After the first double, I think the subsequent ones are OK,
especially the last one.  You aren't risking much once they find their
spot.  It's when they run to their spot that the double hurts.
But the real fault is with the defense.  I do fault partner a little
for not finding the trump opening lead, but I can forgive him since the
heart is so attractive.  I can even forgive him for not dropping the
spade king.  What I can't forgive is his lead at trick five.  As you
pointed out a diamond is obviously futile.  But a heart is insane.
More importantly, a club is absolutely safe, especially if you drop the
spade queen on the second round.  The spade play cannot be suit preference,
it must be showing what you have.  The club play does not lose anything
if you have as little as the J, and it removes a ruff from the board.
An even trade at worst, much more likely a big gain.  What else can you
have for your doubles?  You're not doubling on seven lousy points.  You
must have at least the K, and maybe the A, of clubs.

After the club switch, declarer is dead.  Partner is assured of a second
trump trick at the end, or else you get some spades.  Down one!