The Laws and Principles of Whist Stated and Explained,

Chapter XI: Part II: Hands (1)

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The following hands are given in illustration of the general principles discussed in Part I. The plan adopted in the arrangement of the hands is to imitate closely the circumstances of actual play. Thus, at starting, one player's hand is known, together with the score and the turn-up card. Each player is then caused to play a card in his turn, and at the end of the trick, the one player whose hand is known makes observations, and draws inferences from the play, as though he were at the whist table.

A, Y, B, and Z, are the four players throughout. They are placed at the table in the above order, A and B being partners against Y and Z. A is the first leader, and Z the dealer. In "the play" the cards of each trick are placed in the order in which the players sit round the table, the card played by the person whose hand is under consideration being the one nearest to the reader. The capital letter by each card shows to which player it belongs.

All the players are supposed to follow the ordinary rules of play, as laid down in Part I. Thus, each player is credited with leading originally from his strongest suit, and with leading the card of it indicated in the Analysis of Leads (pp. 64-71); with playing the lowest of a sequence when not leading; with returning the highest of a numerically weak suit, the lowest of a strong suit, and so on.

It has been remarked by critics, that the players are often made to play badly. Most of the hands are taken from actual play; but, independently of this, illustrations of indifferent play, with comments, are obviously of value, as showing the kind of errors that are likely to be made, and how and why to avoid them.

HAND I.

Trump lead from four trumps on establishment of suit.

Qn, 10, 5, 3 ♠
A ♡
A, 7, 6, 3 ♣
Kg, Knv, 9, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Two of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Y B Z A↷
4♢ Qn♢ A♢ 2♢]

REMARK.--A leads from his strongest suit (_see_ p. 56). Having no sequence, he leads the lowest card of the suit (_see_ p. 60).

The fall of the queen and ace in this round, leaves A with the winning diamonds and a small one. His suit is virtually established (_see_ p. 57).

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. Y B Z↷ A
Qn♣ 4♣ 5♣ 3♣]

REMARK.--A plays his lowest card second hand (_see_ p. 82).

B allowing the queen to win, may be presumed not to have the king.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Y↷ B Z A
7♡ Qn♡ 3♡ A♡]

REMARK.--It is unlucky that A is obliged to win his partner's queen. The king of hearts is most probably in B's hand, as it is not likely that B has only one heart, and with queen and small ones B would pass.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. Y B Z A↷
4♠ Kg♠ 2♠ 3♠]

REMARK.--This is an instructive trump lead. A, at the first start, with but four trumps, and only one heart, would not have been justified in leading a trump. But, his strong suit being established, and his partner having (probably) the best heart, his game is now to lead trumps. Consider carefully the Management of Trumps (pp. 119-23), and apply the arguments there made use of to the present situation.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Y B↷ Z A
A♠ 7♠ 8♠ 10♠]

REMARK (Trick 5).--A finesses the ten (_see_ pp. 93-94).

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Y↷ B Z A
8♡ Kg♡ 10♡ 6♣]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 3

7. Y B↷ Z A
6♢ 5♢ 3♢ Knv♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 3

8. Y B Z A↷
6♠ 7♢ 9♠ Qn♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 4

9. Y B Z A↷
10♢ 8♢ Knv♠ Kg♢]

REMARKS.--At Trick 9, A forces the best trump, and remains with the thirteenth to bring in the diamond. If Z refuses the force, A (Trick 10) leads nine of diamonds and (Trick 11) the losing trump.

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 4

10. Y B Z↷ A
2♡ 9♣ 2♣ 7♣]

At Trick 10, if A plays ace of clubs he will be left with a losing club. By passing, he gives B a chance of winning the trick, and cannot lose even if Y has king of clubs. It has been suggested that Z's best lead, at Trick 10, is king of clubs, on the chance of catching ace and knave; but Z's play is not under examination.

* * * * *

Tricks 11 to 13.--Whatever B leads, A makes the remaining tricks, and

AB win three by cards.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
Ace, 6, 4 ♠|Kg, 7 ♠|Knv, 9, 8, 2 ♠
Knv, 9, 8, 7, 4, 2 ♡|Kg, Qn, 6, 5 ♡|10, 3 ♡
Qn ♣|Knv, 9, 4 ♣|Kg, 10, 8, 5, 2 ♣
10, 6, 4 ♢|Qn, 8, 7, 5 ♢|Ace, 3 ♢

HAND II.

Trump lead from four moderate trumps.

Knv, 10, 7, 5 ♠
Kg, 6 ♡
A, 8, 6 ♣
A, 10, 9, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Two of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Z A↷ Y B
4♢ Kg♢ 7♢ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. Z A↷ Y B
Knv♢ 5♢ 8♢ A♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. Z A Y B↷
2♠ Kg♠ A♠ 5♠]

REMARK (Trick 3).--B has four trumps, and defence in hearts and clubs, his partner's suit is established, and no adverse strength in trumps has been exhibited. B therefore leads trumps. (Consider carefully the arguments at pp. 122, 123, respecting leads from four trumps, and apply them to this case.) To judge when to lead from four moderate trumps is an important point in the game, which hands such as this are given to illustrate and explain.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 1

4. Z A Y↷ B
9♣ 5♣ Kg♣ A♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. Z A Y B↷
6♠ 8♠ Qn♠ 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Z A Y↷ B
10♣ 7♣ Qn♣ 6♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. Z A Y↷ B
9♠ Knv♣ 2♣ 8♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. Z↷ A Y B
A♡ 2♡ 7♡ 6♡]

TRICKS 9 to 13.--Z leads knave of hearts which B wins. B draws the two trumps (if he remembers down to the seven) and brings in the diamonds, and

AB win two by cards.

THE HANDS.

(B's hand is given above.)

At Trick 2, A leads his original fourth-best diamond (_see_ Appendix A). In this hand it is immaterial whether A makes the American lead or not.

HAND III.

A simple elementary hand, save in one point which demands strict attention to the rule respecting returned leads (_see_ pp. 79-81).

A, Qn, Knv, 10, 2 ♠
Qn, 6 ♡
A, 9, 8, 3 ♣
9, 3 ♢

Score: AB, 2; YZ, Love.

Knave of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Y B Z A↷
5♠ 4♠ 3♠ A♠]

REMARK.--A leads from his strongest suit (_see_ p. 66). Holding ace, queen, knave, ten, he leads out ace and ten (_see_ Analysis of Leads, p. 66).

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. Y B Z A↷
6♠ 8♠ Kg♠ 10♠]

REMARK.--A continues his suit (_see_ p. 74).

As the cards happen to lie A would have been able to make a successful finesse against the king of spades. But A, not having seen Z's hand, can only play on general principles.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Y B Z↷ A
Kg♢ 2♢ 6♢ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. Y↷ B Z A
A♢ 5♢ 4♢ 9♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Y↷ B Z A
4♡ 3♡ Knv♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS { AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Y B Z A↷
6♣ Qn♣ 4♣ 3♣]

REMARK (Trick 6).--A has now the command of his suit, and four trumps. The adversaries have not shown any particular strength in trumps, either by leading them or by calling for them, though they have had the opportunity of doing both, and A therefore assumes that the trumps are pretty evenly divided, and leads a trump (_see_ pp. 122, 123). A is not deterred from opening the trump suit because an honour was turned up (_see_ p. 122).

* * * * *

B's winning the trick with the queen shows that Z has not got the king.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 3

7. Y B↷ Z A
10♣ 7♣ 5♣ A♣]

REMARK (Trick 7).--B returns his partner's lead of trumps (_see_ p. 125).

* * * * *

This is the important trick of the hand. Note the card returned by B, the seven, and if in doubt as to the fall of the trumps, look at the previous trick (_see_ Law 91, p. 18). In that trick, the small clubs that fall are the three, six, and four, and in the present one, the seven, five, and ten. Nobody having played the two, A may place it by inference in B's hand, for the adversaries not winning the trick may be supposed to play their lowest cards. Assuming B to hold the two, it may be inferred that he has that card and no other left in the suit. For he returns the seven, a higher card than the two; and the rule is to return the higher of two remaining cards, the lowest if holding more than two (_see_ p. 80. Consider carefully the example given there, and apply it to the present situation).

The king and knave are therefore in the opponents' hands, and divided. Z has the knave (which he turned up), and he has not the king, as he could not win the queen in the previous trick. Y must consequently hold it.

It may be objected that this train of reasoning is too close and elaborate to serve the purpose of inexperienced players. It is, perhaps, a little difficult for an elementary hand; but the careful observance of the rule of play respecting returned leads is so important, that it has been deemed advisable to insist strongly upon it. Of course, when playing with those who do not attend to the conversation of the game, all pains bestowed on working out the position of the cards from such data as the preceding is so much trouble thrown away.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. Y B Z A↷
Kg♣ 2♣ Knv♣ 8♣]

Assuming, then, that A's partner can be depended on to play according to rule, it is morally certain that the trumps are evenly divided, and that a third round will leave A with a long trump to bring in his spades. Accordingly, A leads the eight of clubs (_see_ Trick 8, above).

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 4

9. Y↷ B Z A
Kg♡ A♡ 9♡ 6♡]

TRICKS 10 to 13.--B (Trick 10) leads a small diamond, though, as the cards happen to lie, his lead is immaterial. A trumps the diamond, and brings in the spades; and

AB win three by cards.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
9, 6, 5 ♠|8, 4 ♠|Kg, 7, 3 ♠
Kg, 10, 8, 4, 2 ♡|Ace, 7, 5, 3 ♡|Knv, 9 ♡
Kg, 10, 6 ♣|Qn, 7, 2 ♣|Knv, 5, 4 ♣
Ace, Kg ♢|Knv, 8, 5, 2 ♢|Qn, 10, 7, 6, 4 ♢

HAND IV.

An instructive hand, illustrative of playing to the score.

Kg, 9, 5, 4 ♠
A, Knv, 4 ♡
Kg, 6, 2 ♣
Qn, Knv, 4 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Queen of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Y B Z A↷
Knv♠ 7♠ 3♠ 4♠]

REMARK.--A leads from his strongest suit (_see_ p. 56).

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. Y↷ B Z A
5♡ 2♡ Kg♡ A♡]

REMARK.--It may be inferred that hearts are Y's strongest suit.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Y B Z A↷
6♢ 2♢ A♢ Qn♢]

REMARK (Trick 3).--A having found his partner weak in spades (_see_ Trick 1), does not continue his suit (_see_ p. 75).

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. Y B Z↷ A
Qn♡ 8♡ 6♡ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Y↷ B Z A
7♡ 10♡ 3♡ Knv♡]

REMARK.--Presuming the players are to be depended on for following the elementary rules of the game, it is clear from the fall of the cards that Y holds the remaining heart, the nine. B drops the ten, so he ought not to have the nine, the rule being to play the lowest card when not able to win the trick. Z ought not to have another heart, for he returned the six (_see_ Trick 4), and now plays the three. Having returned the higher card he can hold no more (_see_ p. 80).

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Y B Z A↷
7♢ 3♢ 10♢ Knv♢]

REMARK.--It is evident that Z, dropping the ten, will trump the next round of diamonds. Nevertheless, A's game is to continue the diamond (Trick 7), to give Z the lead, and to make B last player.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. Y B Z A↷
9♢ Kg♢ 4♣ 4♢]

REMARK (Trick 7).--Y, dropping the nine of diamonds, may be taken to have no more, as, not being able to win the trick, he is assumed to play his smallest. The remaining diamonds are therefore with B.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. Y B Z↷ A
2♠ 5♣ A♠ 5♠]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 5

9. Y B↷ Z A
3♣ Knv♣ A♣ 2♣]

REMARK.--Z, with ace, queen, second hand (_see_ his hand below), follows the usual rule (_see_ p. 86). It is open to argument whether Z should depart from rule in this case. But Z's hand is not the one under examination.

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 5

10. Y B Z↷ A
Qn♠ 5♢ 6♠ Kg♠]

REMARK.--The fall of the queen of spades from Y shows A that the two remaining spades are in Z's hand. Z's third card is the queen of clubs, which he turned up.

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 5

11. Y B Z A↷
8♣ 7♣ Qn♣ Kg♣]

TRICKS {AB, 7 YZ, 5

12. Y B Z A↷
9♡ 10♣ 8♠ 9♠]

REMARK (Trick 12).--A's lead here is instructive. He knows his partner (B) has one diamond and no spade and no heart (_see_ Tricks 5, 7, and 10). B's other card must therefore be a club (trump). If it is the best trump, A wins two by cards by leading a trump. But if it is not the winning trump, a trump lead loses the odd trick. It is better to make certain of the odd trick than to risk losing it for the chance of winning two by cards; for the odd trick makes a difference of two to the score. A therefore properly ensures the odd trick by forcing his partner (_see_ p. 134).

Suppose the score to be AB three, and YZ one. Then A would be justified in leading the trump at Trick 12. For, if B has the ten, AB win two by cards and the game; and, if B has not the ten, AB lose the odd trick; the score remaining AB three, YZ two. It is better to run the risk of this score for the sake of the game, than to make certain of scoring only four and of leaving the adversaries at one.

AB win the odd trick.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
Qn, Knv, 2 ♠|7 ♠|Ace, 10, 8, 6, 3 ♠
Qn, 9, 7, 5 ♡|10, 8, 2 ♡|Kg, 6, 3 ♡
9, 8, 3 ♣|Knv, 10, 7, 5 ♣|Ace, Qn, 4 ♣
9, 7, 6 ♢|Kg, 8, 5, 3, 2 ♢|Ace, 10 ♢

In the following hands the comments will be fewer, it being assumed that explanations of ordinary play are unnecessary.

HAND V.

Illustrative of the advantage of returning the highest of a short suit.

A, 9, 6, 2 ♠
4, 2 ♡
Kg, 10, 7, 4 ♣
8, 6, 4 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Three of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Y B Z A↷
6♣ A♣ 2♣ 4♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. Y B↷ Z A
8♣, Knv♣, 5♣, 7♣]

REMARK (Trick 2).--A's finesse here is justifiable, because he has strength in trumps (_see_ p. 94). With only three trumps, A's better play would be to secure the trick at once.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 0

3. Y B↷ Z A
9♣ 3♣ Qn♣ Kg♣]

REMARK.--Note the advantage of the return of the strengthening card at Trick 2, in accordance with General Principle 5 (p. 79). The command is left with the presumably strong hand; and the queen is completely hemmed in. It is true the queen might have been in Y's hand. In that case the queen must make whatever card is returned. A similar position occurs at Trick 9.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 1

4. Y B Z A↷
4♠ Qn♠ Kg♠ 2♠]

REMARK.--A did not lead the trump at first; but now he does so for these reasons: he has the long card of his suit; trumps are his strongest suit (p. 119); and the adversaries have had the opportunity of calling for trumps (_see_ pp. 125, 126), and have not made use of it, which is negative evidence that there is no very great strength of trumps in one hand.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. Y B Z↷ A
3♡ 5♡ Kg♡ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Y B Z↷ A
7♡ 8♡ A♡ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. Y B Z↷ A
Qn♡ Knv♡ 6♡ 4♢]

REMARK (Trick 7).--A being strong in trumps passes the doubtful card (_see_ p. 129).

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. Y↷ B Z A
Knv♢ A♢ 5♢ 6♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 4

9. Y B↷ Z A
7♠ 10♠ 3♠ 6♠]

TRICKS 10 to 13.--B leads the five of spades, which brings down all the outstanding trumps. A makes the thirteenth club and the trump; the adversary makes the king of diamonds (_see_ the hands below).

* * * * *

AB win two by cards.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

HAND VI.

Playing to the score.

A, 8, 6, 5 ♠
A, Kg, Qn, 2 ♡
Qn, Knv ♣
8, 6, 4 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Two of diamonds turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. B Z A↷ Y
A♣ 4♣ 2♣ Knv♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. B↷ Z A Y
3♣ 10♣ Kg♣ Qn♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. B Z A↷ Y
6♡ 9♡ 3♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. B Z A Y↷
5♡ Knv♡ 4♡ A♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. B Z A Y↷
7♡ 2♠ 8♡ Kg♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. B Z A Y↷
Kg♠ 3♠ 4♠ A♠]

REMARK (Trick 6).--The lead here is the point in the hand. Y has three tricks up; there is a whole suit (clubs) against him, and his adversary B has called for trumps (_see_ Tricks 3 and 4). It is, consequently, Y's duty to make five tricks (which save the game if Z has an honour) as quickly as possible. He therefore leads the ace of spades to make the fourth trick, and (Trick 7) forces his partner (though without any strength of trumps in his own hand, _see_ pp. 132, 133) to make the fifth.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. B Z A Y↷
10♢ Qn♢ 10♡ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. B Z↷ A Y
5♣ Knv♠ Qn♠ 5♠]

TRICKS 9 to 13.--A leads a trump (the knave, _see_ his hand below), in obedience to the call, and

AB score two by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | B'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
Qn, 4 ♠|Kg ♠|Knv, 10, 9, 7, 3, 2 ♠
10, 8, 4, 3 ♡|7, 6, 5 ♡|Knv, 9 ♡
Kg, 9, 7, 2 ♣|Ace, 8, 6, 5, 3 ♣|10, 4 ♣
Knv, 5, 3 ♢|Ace, Kg, 10, 7 ♢|Qn, 9, 2 ♢

* * * * *

At Trick 2, B, with the club suit well nigh established (assuming his partner to have led from strength), and four trumps, two honours, should risk a trump lead. He cannot lose the game; and if his partner has an average hand, a trump lead will, in all probability, give AB a good score. As a matter of fact it would win the game, but that proves nothing.

HAND VII.

The lead of the fourth-best (_see_ Appendix A), and counting the hands (_see_ pp. 116-17).

Qn, 10 ♠
Ace, Qn, 6, 5, 4 ♡
9, 8 ♣
Knv, 6, 5, 3 ♢

Score: AB, love; YZ, four.

Eight of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. A↷ Y B Z
4♠, 5♠, 9♠, 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. A Y B Z↷
Kg♠, A♠, 7♠, Qn♠]

REMARK (Trick 2).--Z's better play would be to open the heart suit.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 3

3. A Y↷ B Z
Knv♡ 7♡ 8♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 4

4. A Y B Z↷
7♢ A♢ 4♢ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 4

5. A Y↷ B Z
8♢ 10♢ Kg♢ 5♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. A Y B↷ Z
Kg♣ 3♣ Qn♣ 8♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. A↷ Y B Z
A♣ 4♣ 2♣ 9♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. A↷ Y B Z
Knv♠ 6♣ 6♠ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 6

9. A Y↷ B Z
2♠ 2♡ 3♡ 5♡]

REMARK.--It is now clear that Y led from five hearts originally (_see_ his lead, Trick 3, and p. 116). Consequently, YZ have all the remaining hearts between them.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 7

10. A Y B Z↷
9♢ 7♣ 2♢ 6♢]

REMARK.--Z can count his partner's hand, viz., three more hearts (_see_ Remark, Trick 9) and one other card, either the deuce of diamonds (_see_ the fall of the diamonds, Tricks 4 and 5), or a trump. If Y has the diamond, it matters not what Z leads, as B must then hold four trumps. Z therefore assumes that his partner has another trump, and plays to force him.

But if Z could not tell that Y has three hearts, or rather could tell that he has only two, Z's proper lead at Trick 10 would be the ace of hearts. For then B must have a heart, and if Z leads a losing diamond, B discards his heart on it, and wins the game.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND.
Kg, Knv, 8, 4, 3, 2 ♠|Ace, 5 ♠|9, 7, 6 ♠
Knv ♡|Kg, 10, 9, 7, 2 ♡|8, 3 ♡
Ace, Kg ♣|7, 6, 4, 3 ♣|Qn, Knv, 10, 5, 2 ♣
Qn, 9, 8, 7 ♢|Ace, 10 ♢|Kg, 4, 2 ♢

At Trick 6, B should play to force his partner in hearts instead of leading trumps.

HAND VIII.

Playing to the score and to the fall of the cards.

Game won in spite of partner's bad play.

10, 9 ♠
8, 4, 3 ♡
Kg, Qn, 8, 2 ♣
A, Knv, 8, 5 ♢

Score: AB, one; YZ, three.

Eight of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. A↷ Y B Z
6♠ A♠ 4♠ 9♠]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. A Y↷ B Z
Knv♡ 5♡ 9♡ 3♡]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. A↷ Y B Z
Qn♠ 2♡ Kg♠ 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. A Y↷ B Z
Qn♡ 6♡ 10♡ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. A↷ Y B Z
A♡ 7♡ 3♢ 8♡]

REMARK.--Drawing two for one.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. A↷ Y B Z
Knv♠ Kg♡ 8♠ 5♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. A Y↷ B Z
6♣ 4♣ 7♣ Qn♣]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. A Y B Z↷
2♠ 8♣ A♣ 2♣]

REMARK.--Y must have knave.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 5

9. A Y B↷ Z
Qn♢ 2♢ 4♢ A♢]

REMARK (Trick 9).--Z manages to win the game, in spite of his partner, by putting on ace second hand and leading a club.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 6

10. A Y B Z↷
3♠ 3♣ 9♣ Kg♣]

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Z (Trick 11) leads a club; Y makes two more tricks in clubs, and

YZ win two by cards.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND.
Qn, Knv, 7, 6, 5, 3, 2 ♠|Ace ♠|Kg, 8, 4 ♠
Ace, Qn, Knv ♡|Kg, 7, 6, 5, 2 ♡|10, 9 ♡
6 ♣|Knv, 10, 5, 4, 3 ♣|Ace, 9, 7 ♣
Kg, Qn ♢|7, 2 ♢|10, 9, 6, 4, 3 ♢

At Trick 3, Y plays badly to trump the doubtful spade (_see_ p. 129). At same trick, B plays well to get rid of the command of his partner's suit (_see_ p. 96), as A, from the lead, must have knave of spades, and Z, from the previous fall of the cards, must have the ten single.

At Trick 4, Y's continuing the trump is bad, after ruining his numerical strength. For he has no particular strength out of trumps (_see_ his hand), and his partner is evidently very weak in trumps.

As the cards happen to lie, if Z does not put on ace of diamonds second hand at Trick 9, A brings in the spades, and YZ lose the game instead of winning it.

HAND IX.

Counting the cards.

A, Qn, Knv, 8, 7 ♠
A, 7 ♡
9, 7, 4, 3 ♣
7, 6 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Five of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Y B Z A↷
3♠ 2♠ 5♠ A♠]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. Y B Z A↷
Kg♠ 9♠ 10♠ Knv♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. Y↷ B Z A
5♡ Knv♡ 2♡ 7♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 1

4. Y B↷ Z A
4♢ A♢ Knv♢ 6♢]

REMARK.--B has led from a suit of at least five diamonds.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. Y B↷ Z A
5♢ 3♢ Kg♢ 7♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Y B Z↷ A
Kg♣ 10♣ A♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. Y B Z↷ A
4♠ Qn♣ 2♣ 4♣]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. Y↷ B Z A
9♢ Qn♢ 5♣ A♡]

REMARK (Trick 8).--Well played by A. He can count B's hand. The ten of diamonds is marked in Y's hand, so B has two diamonds and three hearts. Therefore B must have had four hearts originally, and as it is not the game to put on knave, second hand, with four, holding less than three honours (_see_ Trick 3 and Analysis of Play of Second Hand, p. 85), B must hold both king and queen of hearts.

* * * * *

TRICKS 9 to 13.--B leads king, queen of hearts, to which A discards clubs. A makes his three trumps, and

AB score three by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

At Trick 7, Z does not lead his original fourth-best, as great strength in trumps is declared against him. (_See_ Appendix A.)

At Trick 8, Y's play is difficult. He might have noticed that his best chance of winning the game is for A to hold only winning hearts and a losing club; and this being so, Y should not lead a diamond.

HAND X.

Counting the hands. Simple instance of departure from rule.

A, 9, 7, 4 ♠
Qn, 6, 5, 3 ♡
A, 3 ♣
Kg, 9, 5 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Six of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. B Z A↷ Y
4♣ Qn♣ 10♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. B Z↷ A Y
3♠ 5♠ 2♠ A♠]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. B Z A Y↷
8♠ 10♠ Kg♠ 4♠]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. B Z A↷ Y
7♣ 6♣ Knv♣ A♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. B Z A Y↷
Qn♠ 6♠ 2♡ 7♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. B↷ Z A Y
8♣ 9♣ Kg♣ 9♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. B Z A Y↷
8♡ A♡ 4♡ 3♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. B Z↷ A Y
3♢ A♢ 4♢ 5♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 7

9. B Z↷ A Y
7♢ Knv♢ 2♣ 9♢]

REMARK (Trick 9).--The lead of ace, followed by knave, indicates a five card suit, headed by ace, queen, knave, and a desire that partner, if he holds the king, should put it on second round (_see_ p. 101). But in this case Y can count the hands, and therefore departs from rule, and does not put on the king. Z has a trump, and three diamonds, the ten guarded being in B's hand. If Y follows rule and puts on king of diamonds, he loses a trick in diamonds; by passing the knave, he ensures five by cards.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 8

10. B Z↷ A Y
8♢ 2♢ 7♡ Kg♢]

* * * * *

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Whatever Y leads, Z makes the remaining tricks, and

YZ win five by cards.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | B'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
Kg, 2 ♠|Qn, 8, 3 ♠|Knv, 10, 6, 5 ♠
Knv, 9, 7, 4, 2 ♡|Kg, 10, 8 ♡|Ace ♡
Kg, Knv, 10, 5, 2 ♣|8, 7, 4 ♣|Qn, 9, 6 ♣
4 ♢|10, 8, 7, 3 ♢|Ace, Qn, Knv, 6, 2 ♢

At Trick 2 Z's trump lead is rather forward, but justifiable with his hand at the score of love-all, especially as Y must hold the ace of clubs.

HAND XI.

Discarding, and playing to the score.

A, Qn, 7, 6 ♠
Qn, 9, 6 ♡
Qn, 8, 4, 2 ♣
7, 3 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Six of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. A↷ Y B Z
Kg♢ 6♢ 2♢ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. A↷ Y B Z
A♢ 5♢ Knv♢ 7♢]

REMARK.--Y has called for trumps.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. A↷ Y B Z
4♢ 8♢ 4♡ 6♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. A Y B Z↷
Kg♡ A♡ 7♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. A Y↷ B Z
2♡ Knv♡ 10♡ 9♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. A Y↷ B Z
10♢ Qn♢ 3♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. A Y↷ B Z
3♠ 9♢ 7♣ 6♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. A Y↷ B Z
8♠ 3♡ 2♠ 7♠]

TRICKS 9 to 13.--Y (Trick 9) leads a spade. He is directed to the spade suit by Z's _original discard_ of a club at Trick 6 (_see_ p. 104), notwithstanding that Z has since discarded two spades. Z plays properly to keep his queen of clubs guarded after his first discard, as he only wants at most two tricks besides the two trumps which he knows to be in Y's hand. Y, at Trick 8, leads a heart to show he has all the other hearts, as it is possible that the best heart may be held up by the adversary. Y thus tells Z not to finesse if he has one trick certain (_see_ score).

Z puts on the ace of spades, at Trick 9, as that card and the two trumps in Y's hand make the game. If Z finesses he only scores four, as will be seen by referring to the hands below. Z's play would not be right if he had only five tricks up, as he would then want one more trick to win the game. In that case he should finesse. This is a good illustration of playing to the score.

YZ score three by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND.
Kg, 9, 8, 3 ♠|5 ♠|Knv, 10, 4, 2 ♠
Kg, 2 ♡|Ace, Knv, 8, 5, 3 ♡|10, 7, 4 ♡
Kg, 9, 5 ♣|Knv, 6 ♣|Ace, 10, 7, 3 ♣
Ace, Kg, 10, 4 ♢|Qn, 9, 8, 6, 5 ♢|Knv, 2 ♢

At Trick 3, A is justified in risking a force on his partner, though weak in trumps himself. Strength in trumps has been adversely declared by the call (_see_ pp. 132, 133), and there is nothing to show that B has not the queen of diamonds.

At Trick 4, it is doubtful whether A should cover the strengthening card led (_see_ p. 88).

HAND XII.

Discarding.

Qn, 9, 7 ♠
Kg, 10, 6, 5 ♡
Qn, 6, 5 ♣
10, 4, 2 ♢

Score: AB, love; YZ, four.

Two of diamonds turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. A↷ Y B Z
Qn♢ 6♢ 3♢ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. A↷ Y B Z
A♢ 8♢ 7♢ 4♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 0

3. A↷ Y B Z
Kg♢ 9♢ 7♣ 10♢]

REMARK (Trick 3).--The knave of diamonds, and therefore the command of trumps, is marked in Y's hand.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 0

4. A↷ Y B Z
Kg♠ 4♠ 3♠ 7♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 0

5. A↷ Y B Z
A♠ 6♠ 5♠ 9♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 1

6. A↷ Y B Z
2♠ 2♡ Knv♠ Qn♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 2

7. A Y B Z↷
Kg♣ A♣ 8♣ Qn♣]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 3

8. A Y↷ B Z
5♢ Knv♢ 3♡ 5♣]

REMARK (Trick 7).--Z properly concludes, as his partner has command of trumps (_see_ Remark, Trick 3), that his discard (Trick 6) was from his weakest suit, notwithstanding the adverse trump lead, and therefore Z leads clubs. If Z mistakes the character of his partner's discard, and leads a heart, he loses the game (_see_ pp. 105-6, and apply the rules of play there stated to the present situation).

* * * * *

TRICKS 9 to 13.--Y brings in the clubs (_see_ his hand below), and

YZ win the odd trick.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

At Trick 7, A is right to cover the queen of clubs (_see_ p. 88).

HAND XIII.

Getting rid of the command of partner's suit (_see_ p. 97).

Kg, 10, 5 ♠
A, 6, 5 ♡
9, 8, 3 ♣
10, 9, 8, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Five of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. A↷ Y B Z
Qn♣ Kg♣ A♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. A Y B↷ Z
Qn♡ 4♡ 2♡ 5♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. A↷ Y B Z
8♡ 9♡ 3♡ 6♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. A Y↷ B Z
4♢ A♢ 3♢ 8♢]

REMARK.--_See_ p. 97.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. A Y↷ B Z
7♢ Knv♢ Kg♢ 9♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. A Y B↷ Z
10♣ 10♡ 7♣ 8♣]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 3

7. A Y↷ B Z
2♣ Qn♢ 7♡ 10♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 3

8. A Y B↷ Z
9♠ 6♠ A♠ 5♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 4

9. A Y B↷ Z
Knv♠ 7♠ 2♠ Kg♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 5

10. A Y B Z↷
4♣ Knv♡ Kg♡ A♡]

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Z (Trick 11) leads deuce of diamonds. Y makes two tricks in diamonds (note the advantage to YZ of Z's having got rid of the command).

YZ win the odd trick.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND.
Knv, 9 ♠|8, 7, 6 ♠|Ace, Qn, 4, 3, 2 ♠
Qn, 8 ♡|Knv, 10, 9, 4 ♡|Kg, 7, 3, 2 ♡
Qn, Knv, 10, 6, 5, 4, 2 ♣|Kg ♣|Ace, 7 ♣
7, 4 ♢|Ace, Qn, Knv, 6, 5 ♢|Kg, 3 ♢

At Trick 2, Z plays the turn-up card (_see_ p. 114).

At Trick 3, B passes the nine of trumps. If the tenace is against him covering does no good; and there is a reasonable chance that the ace will fall.

At Trick 6, B, having found A weak in trumps, and the whole diamond suit being declared against him, alters his tactics, and does not continue trumps.

At Trick 7, Y plays properly in attempting to force the strong trump hand, keeping knave of hearts with which to trump clubs. If B refuses the first force he wins two or three by cards, as the cards happen to lie. But he cannot place the diamonds, and probably his best play is to trump.

HAND XIV.

Finessing.

7, 6, 2 ♠
Kg, Knv, 9, 7, 6, 4 ♡
Knv ♣
10, 7, 6 ♢

Score: Four-all.

Ten of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Y B Z A↷
5♡ A♡ 2♡ 7♡]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. Y B↷ Z A
2♣ 6♣ Qn♣ Knv♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. Y B Z↷ A
Knv♠ A♠ 3♠ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. Y B↷ Z A
4♣ 5♣ 10♣ 6♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Y B Z↷ A
Qn♠ 9♠ 5♠ 7♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3, YZ, 3

6. Y↷ B Z A
Kg♠ 9♣ 8♠ 6♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. Y B↷ Z A
A♣ 3♣ Kg♣ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. Y↷ B Z A
4♠ 7♣ 10♠ 6♡]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 5

9. Y B↷ Z A
Qn♡ 10♡ 3♡ Knv♡]

REMARK (Trick 9).--A's finesse is unlucky. He has no indication as to the position of the queen. _The finesse must not be judged by the result._ It is generally right against one card if the success of the finesse wins the game.

* * * * *

TRICKS 10 to 13.--YZ make two tricks in diamonds (_see_ their hands below); and

YZ win the odd trick.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
Kg, Qn, Knv, 4 ♠|Ace, 9 ♠|10, 8, 5, 3 ♠
Qn, 5 ♡|Ace, 10 ♡|8, 3, 2 ♡
Ace, 4, 2 ♣|9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 3 ♣|Kg, Qn, 10 ♣
Kg, Knv, 8, 5 ♢|Qn, 9, 3 ♢|Ace, 4, 2 ♢

At Trick 6, Y's lead is not well judged. He knows his partner to hold king of clubs single, and his object should be to prevent the two trumps from being drawn together. Y's best lead appears to be queen of hearts; and if it wins, a diamond.

HAND XV.

Counting the hands, and refusing a finesse.

A, Kg, Knv, 2 ♠
A, Kg, 2 ♡
6, 4 ♣
8, 4, 3, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

King of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. A↷ Y B Z
5♢ 6♢ A♢ 2♢]

REMARK (Trick 1).--A has not both king and queen of diamonds, or he would have led one. B has not either king or queen of diamonds, or he would have played one of them instead of the ace. Therefore, Y must have one of those cards. Z draws this inference _at the time_. It will not be of any use to him until near the end of the hand.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. A Y B↷ Z
5♣ 7♣ A♣ 4♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. A Y B↷ Z
8♣ Qn♣ 3♣ 6♣]

REMARK.--B has led from exactly five clubs (_see_ Appendix A).

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. A Y↷ B Z
4♡ 5♡ 3♡ Kg♡]

REMARK.--The ace would be an echo (_see_ p. 128).

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. A Y B Z↷
7♡ 6♡ 8♡ A♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. A Y B Z↷
3♠ 5♠ 4♠ Kg♠]

REMARK (Trick 6).--The policy of this lead is doubtful. Players are apt to show their suits in this manner. But it is clear, the opponents having led diamonds and clubs, that if Z has strength in any suit it is in spades. The objections to showing a suit in this way are: 1, that it may be trumped the first round; 2, that partner may have only one card of it. In the latter case he cannot return the lead, and must open or continue another suit to a disadvantage.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. A Y B Z↷
Knv♡ Qn♡ 9♡ 2♡]

REMARK.--Y has the long trump.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. A Y↷ B Z
9♣ Kg♣ 2♣ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 7

9. A Y↷ B Z
8♠ 9♠ 6♠ A♠]

REMARK (Trick 9).--Z's play in not finessing is very good. He can count Y's hand, thus: Y has no more clubs (_see_ Remark, Trick 3), he has the last trump, and three other cards. These cards must either be queen, ten of spades, and a diamond, in which case Z's play does not matter; or the nine returned by Y must be his best spade, in which case he can only have one more, as he would return the higher of two remaining cards (_see_ p. 79), and his other cards must then be two diamonds. Therefore, assuming the case in which Z's play does matter (_i.e._, of Y's nine being his best spade), Y's diamond must be guarded.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 8

10. A Y B Z↷
Knv♢ Qn♢ 10♣ 8♢]

Consequently, Z, by not finessing, makes sure of the game. He requires one more trick besides the ace of spades and his partner's trump, and this trick Y is certain to make in diamonds if Z leads through A's hand (_see_ Remark, Trick 1).

* * * * *

TRICKS 10 to 13.--Z (Trick 10) leads a diamond, and, however A plays,

YZ score three by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND.
Qn, 8, 3 ♠|9, 5 ♠|10, 7, 6, 4 ♠
Knv, 7, 4 ♡|Qn, 10, 6, 5 ♡|9, 8, 3 ♡
9, 8, 5 ♣|Kg, Qn, 7 ♣|Ace, Knv, 10, 3, 2 ♣
Kg, Knv, 7, 5 ♢|Qn, 10, 9, 6 ♢|Ace ♢

As the cards happen to lie, YZ only score four if Z finesses at Trick 9, and A plays properly. A, on winning this trick with the queen of spades, should see that his only chance of making two more tricks is to be led up to in diamonds. He should therefore (Trick 10) lead the seven of diamonds, which Y is compelled to take, and AB save the game.

HAND XVI.

Leading losing card to place the lead (_see_ pp. 147-151).

A, Qn, Knv ♠
A, Kg, 9, 3 ♡
Knv, 8, 6, 2 ♣
Knv, 5 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Ten of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Z A↷ Y B
4♢, Kg♢, 8♢, 5♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. Z A↷ Y B
7♢ A♢ Qn♢ Knv♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 0

3. Z A↷ Y B
2♠ 10♠ 3♠ Knv♠]

REMARK.--Y has the king of spades.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 0

4. Z A Y B↷
7♡ Knv♡ 5♡ 3♡]

REMARK.--It is probable that A is weak in trumps, as he refused to force his partner in diamonds. Nevertheless, B leads a trump, as he is well provided in spades, and has some defence in the club suit.

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 0

5. Z A↷ Y B
8♡ 4♡ 6♡ Kg♡]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 0

6. Z A Y B↷
10♡ 2♡ 4♠ A♡]

REMARK (Trick 6).--The queen of hearts must be in Z's hand, as A returned the four and now plays the two, and Y renounces.

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 1

7. Z A Y B↷
3♣ Kg♣ A♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 2

8. Z A Y↷ B
7♣ 5♣ Qn♣ 6♣]

TRICKS {AB, 7 YZ, 2

9. Z A Y↷ B
10♣ 2♢ 4♣ Knv♣]

TRICKS {AB, 7 YZ, 3

10. Z A Y B↷
6♠ 3♢ 9♣ 8♣]

REMARK (Trick 10).--B leads the losing club to throw the lead into Y's hand. Y will then be obliged to lead a spade, as he has no other suit. Z will have to follow suit, or will be forced with the queen of trumps, and B will make the ace of spades and the last trump.

* * * * *

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Y (Trick 11) leads a spade, B puts on the queen, and

AB score three by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(B's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | Y'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
10, 9, 7 ♠|Kg, 8, 5, 4, 3 ♠|6, 2 ♠
Knv, 4, 2 ♡|6, 5 ♡|Qn, 10, 8, 7 ♡
Kg, 5 ♣|Ace, Qn, 9, 4 ♣|10, 7, 3 ♣
Ace, Kg, 6, 3, 2 ♢|Qn, 8 ♢|10, 9, 7, 4 ♢

At Trick 8, Y should underplay in clubs.

HAND XVII.

Leading losing card to place the lead (_see_ pp. 147-151).

A, Qn, 10, 5 ♠
10, 3 ♡
9, 5, 2 ♣
Qn, Knv, 6, 2 ♢

Score: AB, love; YZ, one.

Four of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. B Z A↷ Y
3♠ 2♠ 7♠ Qn♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. B Z A Y↷
3♢ Kg♢ 5♢ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. B Z↷ A Y
10♣ 4♣ 7♣ 9♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. B↷ Z A Y
6♠ Knv♠ Kg♠ A♠]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 4

5. B Z A Y↷
3♣ Kg♣ 8♣ 5♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 5

6. B Z↷ A Y
6♣ A♣ Knv♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 6

7. B Z↷ A Y
4♢ A♢ 8♢ 6♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 7

8. B Z↷ A Y
10♢ 7♢ 9♢ Knv♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 7

9. B Z A Y↷
4♠ 4♡ Qn♣ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 8

10. B Z A↷ Y
6♡ 5♡ 8♠ 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 8

11. B Z A Y↷
7♡ 8♡ 9♠ 5♠]

REMARK (Trick 11).--Y leads the losing spade to put the lead into A's hand (_see_ fall of the spades, Tricks 1, 4, and 10), and so compel A to lead hearts up to Z. At this score (YZ, one) this is the best chance of four by cards. If the score were YZ, love, Y should lead a heart, as leading the spade gives up all chance of five by cards.

TRICKS 12 and 13.--Z has ace, queen of hearts; and

YZ win four by cards.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

At Trick 4, B, having a weak hand, plays his partner's game, in preference to planning an attack for himself by opening his own poor suit of four to the knave.

HAND XVIII.

Underplay.

A, Kg, 10, 6 ♠
Knv, 10, 5, 4, 3 ♡
Kg, 7 ♣
Kg, 6 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Six of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. A↷ Y B Z
3♠ 8♠ 9♠ 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. A Y B Z↷
6♡ A♡ 7♡ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 3

3. A Y↷ B Z
4♣ A♣ 6♣ 7♣]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 4

4. A Y↷ B Z
2♣ 10♣ 9♣ Kg♣]

REMARK (Trick 4).--Y has led from ace, queen, knave, ten; and B, the weak trump hand, has no more clubs.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 5

5. A Y B Z↷
2♠ Knv♠ 4♠ 6♠]

REMARK (Trick 5).--Z underplays in trumps. To continue hearts, with queen, king marked against him (_see_ Trick 2), or to open diamonds, would be very disadvantageous, so a trump lead is forced, more especially as Y has command of clubs, and B is about to trump that suit. The lead of ace or king of trumps would leave the lead with Z, who would then still be in a difficulty as to his next lead. Further, it is of importance to endeavour to place the lead in Y's hand, that he may continue clubs. Also, if the underplay succeeds, it is not at all unlikely that YZ will win the game.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 6

6. A Y↷ B Z
5♣ Qn♣ 2♢ 3♡]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 7

7. A Y↷ B Z
8♣ Knv♣ 8♡ 5♡]

TRICKS 8 to 13.--Z makes ace, king of trumps, and

YZ win the game.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | Y'S HAND. | B'S HAND.
Qn, 7, 5, 3, 2 ♠|Knv, 8 ♠|9, 4 ♠
Kg, 6 ♡|Ace, 2 ♡|Qn, 9, 8, 7 ♡
8, 5, 4, 2 ♣|Ace, Qn, Knv, 10, 3 ♣|9, 6 ♣
Ace, Qn ♢|10, 5, 4, 3 ♢|Knv, 9 8, 7, 2 ♢

At Trick 5, if A puts on queen of spades, second hand, he saves the game. May be, a very shrewd player would have seen through the position, including the importance of preventing Y from getting the lead if possible; but A can hardly be blamed for passing, as it is unlikely that both ace and king of spades are in Z's hand.

HAND XIX.

Underplay, and playing to the score.

Knv, 10, 7, 3 ♠
A, Kg, 8, 6, 5 ♡
A, 3 ♣
Kg, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Four of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. B Z A↷ Y
9♣ Qn♣ 6♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. B Z↷ A Y
3♢ 4♢ 6♢ Kg♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. B Z A Y↷
6♠ Qn♠ Kg♠ 3♠]

REMARK (Trick 3).--Y is justified in playing a forward game. He has four trumps (_see_ pp. 122, 123), ace of the opponent's suit, and a fine heart suit: and his partner has declared strength in diamonds by choosing that suit for his original lead.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. B Z A↷ Y
2♣ 4♣ 5♣ A♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. B Z A Y↷
8♠ 2♠ A♠ 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. B Z A↷ Y
4♡ 3♡ 10♡ A♡]

REMARK (Trick 6).--Y is justified in playing a false card here, notwithstanding General Principle 12 (p. 108). The heart is a forced lead, and the card led (the ten) is obviously A's best. Y's scheme is to take another round of trumps, and then to underplay in hearts (_see_ p. 101); so he puts on the ace to deceive B as to the position of the king.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. B Z A Y↷
9♠ 4♠ 5♠ Knv♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. B Z A Y↷
7♡ 9♡ 2♡ 5♡]

TRICKS 9 to 13.--Z leads the king of clubs, to which Y discards the two of diamonds. Z then leads the knave of hearts, on which Y puts the king; the queen falls (_see_ the hands below); Y brings in the hearts; and

YZ win five by cards.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

A'S HAND. | B'S HAND. | Z'S HAND.
Ace, Kg, 5 ♠|9, 8, 6 ♠|Qn, 4, 2 ♠
10, 2 ♡|Qn, 7, 4 ♡|Knv, 9, 3 ♡
Knv, 8, 7, 6, 5 ♣|10, 9, 2 ♣|Kg, Qn, 4 ♣
Ace, 8, 6 ♢|10, 9, 7, 3 ♢|Qn, Knv, 5, 4 ♢

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The Laws and Principles of Whist Stated and Explained,Chapter XI: Part II: Hands (1)

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