All the hands have been taken from actual play and show by no means unusual situations. The writer has endeavoured to eliminate freakish distributions of cards and unsound play.
Play each illustration as though but one hand were exposed, without previous reference to the notes.
In each case Z is the dealer and A the leader.
Transcriber’s Note:
In each of the TRICK tables, the underlined card indicates the card which won the trick.
ILLUSTRATIVE HAND NO. 1
Many players would be tempted to declare “no-trumps” with this hand, but the declaration of hearts is sound. No risks should be taken with a strong heart make when one weak suit is held.
Trick 1.—There are two lines of play that could be adopted by the dealer in this hand, one to exhaust the trumps and try for the spade suit, the other to try to establish a ruff in the weaker hand. The former course is preferable. As Z holds but one trump, the adversaries would probably prevent the ruff. To make the spade suit an entry card may be necessary. Y takes the lead, in order to save Z’s entry card.
Trick 8.—This position will be appreciated by all students of the game. Z has three good spades and the commanding diamond, Y the losing trump and the ace of clubs. Should Y now lead a diamond and take Z’s re-entry card, the adversaries’ trump would stop the suit. Leading the losing trump is a clever play.