Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83 based; site hou2b.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!houxm!hou2b!halle 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!