IMPROVE YOUR PLAY
with Larry Matheny
If you “just play bridge”
you will rarely be successful in a pairs game.
For example, the scoring in matchpoint events pays a high premium for
overtricks and you must consider this when you select a line of play. This hand makes that very point.
Scoring: Matchpoints
(Pairs)
|
Pass |
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BIDDING: This was a
standard auction to game.
PLAY:
The opening lead of the six of hearts was won by the jack in dummy. Declarer saw if the clubs divided 2-2, he had
thirteen top tricks. However, it the
suit was not so friendly, the long club(s) would likely be in the East
hand. Since South could not allow East
to win and play another heart, it would then be necessary to cash his ten
tricks. Knowing that a 3-1 break is
slightly more likely than a 2-2, declarer decided to go with the odds. At trick two he led a club from dummy and
after East followed with the seven, played the nine. West won the jack and then cashed the ace of
hearts for the last trick for the defenders.
The score of +660 for bringing in eleven tricks was a very good result
as most managed only ten tricks.
Playing
for the overtrick by ducking a club to the non-dangerous opponent would not be
necessary in a team game or at rubber bridge but at matchpoints, it was the
right play.
Copyright ©2010 Larry
Matheny