TO THE EDITOR:
In the October 1987 issue of Technology Review (page 59 of the special alumni section), Lawrence Kells challenges readers to construct a deal on which this hand:
4 3 2
4 3 2
4 3 2
5 4 3 2
wins five tricks, with no irregularities.
After readers have solved that puzzle, they may wish to construct a deal on which that hand can win six tricks.
CHARLES BLAIR Champaign, IL
Mr. Blair's solution appears below.
Puzzle solution:
|
NORTH
A K Q J 10
A K Q J 10
5
K 9 |
WEST
4 3 2
4 3 2
4 3 2
5 4 3 2 |
| EAST
--
--
A K Q J 10 9 8 7 6
A 8 7 6 |
| SOUTH
9 8 7 6 5
9 8 7 6 5
--
Q J 10 |
With clubs trumps, West (or North or East) leads a diamond. East plays four rounds of diamonds, while North and South throw hearts. West trumps the fourth diamond (first trick), leads a trump to East's ace, trumps the next diamond (second trick) while North-South pitch hearts--North still has one heart. West gives East a spade ruff, and ruffs the last diamond (third trick) while North sheds his last heart. Now West (just barely!) can cash three heart tricks without anyone's trumping.
It is hard to give an absolute proof of difficult propositions in this area, but it seems unlikely things can be arranged for that West hand to win seven tricks.
This puzzle theme will be extended in a future edition of Bridge World Extra!
|