Dubious Logic

A New Position

The mechanics of card play are pretty well known. The vast majority of positions feature finesses, ruffs and other work-a-day stratagems. Whatever people say, squeezes occupy a very limited number of these but because of their exotic nature, receive a disproportionate emphasis. Nevertheless, it's not every day you see something you haven't seen before. I may have led a sheltered life, but this example from the Year End Congress was new to me;

Fortunately, as you will see, South took a cautious view of his holdings after opening one diamond and re-bidding two no-trump over the two club response - that was raised to four and he passed. Partner led the seven of hearts and I took the ace and played the knave back. Declarer won and proceeded to run the club suit reaching the following position,

On the last club I discarded a second spade and after testing the diamonds, declarer had little trouble in cashing the spade king and finessing the knave in some confidence for twelve tricks. I felt slightly embarrassed at being so easy to read but I had been in the grip of a 'non material' squeeze. I had to protect diamonds but surely I could spare a heart? Not so – had I discarded in that suit the partner would have been squeezed in the ordinary way (try making four discards from the West hand whilst obliged to keep the nine of hearts). It was no mystery who held the heart ten either as partner would have led it from 109 to six. In fact I was squeezed into giving away the position of the queen of spades. Although I'm happy with the enlightenment, I must say, I'm glad they weren't in slam…

Published Saturday 27.Jan.2001