Dubious Logic

Anatomy of a squeeze

Why is squeeze play so fascinating? That presupposes the question of course but it features well in books and articles despite its requirements for extra diagrams and lengthy explanations. Perhaps it is because there's the appearance of getting something for nothing. Perhaps it's because there is the idea it is defining division between the tyro and the expert. More often it is just a case of playing the cards in the right order. In fact, the play often arises from one of the characteristics of the experienced player leaving the last decision to, well, last. Have a look at this, played in six no-trump from West:

The lead of the spade ten to South's ace flatters your slam and even then, it is not a claim. South returns a low spade which you win, North contributing the nine. Take a moment to consider the options.

You are one trick short and must make the rest – perfect recipe for a squeeze – but you surely may as well take the heart finesse? With threats in three suits (clubs a distant third) you may as well reduce the position whilst it does you no harm. So you cash your diamonds and reach:

North follows to two diamonds then pitches club, heart. On the last diamond he lets go another club and we must take stock. Initially it looks as if the spade is redundant but it wise to check. If the spades are not breaking then North has two and South four – the knave is still out and whilst false cards are not uncommon, it would be perspicacious of the opening leader to arrange such a deceit. North appears therefore to be 2-4-2-5. South who has followed so far, throws a club as well. If our reading is correct then South is 4-2-4-3 and no longer can hold a club guard. Pitch the spade seven from dummy and cash the club ace and king to give:

When the queen of spades is played, North who holds the last club, must come down to just two hearts. South, who felt the pressure earlier, holds two spades and must only hold a doubleton heart as well. Wherever the heart queen is, playing the suit from the top yields three tricks and the contract.

That was a compound squeeze, from its very name you can tell it belongs to the pantheon of advanced plays yet what was so difficult about it? Declarer simply kept the heart finesse in reserve to the last moment and by the time the 4-card end position was reached, he could not go wrong. The moral is simple; delay your decisions and count the cards – you'll be surprised what can happen.

Published Saturday 28.Jul.2001