Suit play problems are fun to solve when reading blog posts like this, but can be quite a nuisance at the table.
(1)
Take this for instance.
AK56
J97
What do you think the safety play for 3 tricks is?
The chances are about 83% for 3 tricks on one line (according to suitplay)
(2)
How do you play this combination for 4 tricks (safe play for 4 tricks)
A83
KJ954
Your aim should be to handle QTxx with either opponent. This appeared in one AR's column, and according to suit play his solution was wrong, in fact you don't have to consult suitplay to realise that he is wrong.
Hint: the case is close to playing
K854
AQ932
ok, not so close to that.
(3)
Another one which Ashok and Prajwal were arguing about is this
AKJ9543
5
is it the standard "5 never; 4 ever" ( with Q is outside, play for drop always when 4 cards and finesse when 5 cards are out side?)
Answers:
(1) - Cash the Ace and play low towards 9. cover if your RHO plays T. If he plays Q, you have your 3 tricks. If the 9 loses to Ten - now what? Should play for the suit to be 3-3 even if you have the other intermediate, like AK8x -opp- J9x
its similar to AK9x -opp- Jxx; at trick two if the jack loses to queen, don't finesse the 9. play for the drop.
(2) simple one - play King then low towards 8
(3) Yes, you have to finesse.
Adios,
guthi
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3 comments:
I can't use suitplay now because I'm not sitting on my computer, but here goes.
(1) Assuming it's right to play ace and lead low toward J or 9, the cases where your choice matters are these (you've already played low and RHO has followed low): Q/Tx and (ii) T/Qx. In all other cases, your choice is immaterial. So, I would think, it's not at all clear whether you should play 9 or J.
(2) I suspect your analysis if wrong though your line is correct. To cover the two cases you mentioned, You can run the J too (win ace if covered; then you can establish a fourth trick by force). If it's won by RHO, it's a simple matter to cash ace and finesse against his ten on the next round. If it holds, again establish four tricks by force. Low to Eight works because it covers singlleton honours and probably something else too.
(3) I thought the suit was AKJTxxx. That's what Prajwal said later. Anyway, the finesse is really a bit of a no-brainer.
(4) I had this exact situation two times yesterday. AK9xxx opposite J. You're in hand and have one more entry to hand. You the option of setting up this suit (at notrump) for maybe 5 tricks or trying a different, 5-2, suit for tricks. What are your chances? Answer: Low to J presents a good chance. Obviously, a 3-3 gives you the required tricks, but so does doubleton Ten. In all, more than 50 %. (Incidentally, both times it worked yesterday, Ten being doubleton both times.)
#1 if you had AK8x your line is low to the 8 not low to the 9 right, so the question does not arise.
#2 looks wrong. Cash K and finesse the 8 will lose to QTxx onside. The right play is to finesse the 8 first round and if it loses to the 10 then cash the ace.
#2 is correct. Cash King and play low to 8. If QTxx with East, then West will show out and u can play Ace and then low to Jack scoring 4 tricks.
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