Chapter XII: Part II: Hands (2)

A and B both play the hand badly. At Trick 6, A, in the face of an adverse trump lead and the command of his suit (clubs) against him, should lead the ace of diamonds to make the third trick and save the game. At Trick 8, B should put on his queen of hearts. He is fairly taken in by Y's dark play at Trick 6; but he ought not to have allowed himself to be so. He should have argued that Y, who has been playing a very strong game, would not be likely to put on ace second hand merely for the purpose of getting the lead or of making sure of a trick. Further, if A's lead was a forced one, from weakness (hearts being the only suit in which B can be strong), Z is sure to finesse if he has king, knave, or even king, nine. So B's best chance of making the queen is to put it on (_see_ p. 102).

HAND XX.

Defensive trump lead, and playing to the score.

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

Score: Love-all.

Nine of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Y B Z A↷
6♣ Kg♣ 4♣ 3♣]

REMARK (Trick 1).--A defensive trump lead, to avoid opening a three card suit.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. Y B↷ Z A
7♣ A♣ 8♣ 5♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 0

3. Y B↷ Z A
8♢ Kg♢ 6♢ 5♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 1

4. Y B↷ Z A
Knv♣ 2♣ 9♣ 10♣]

REMARK (Trick 4).--A's finesse is unlucky. He is, however, clearly justified in not parting with the command of trumps, as, even if the finesse does not succeed, he remains with the last trump, will be led up to in one of his guarded suits, and will, in all probability, bring in his partner's diamonds.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. Y↷ B Z A
4♡ 3♡ A♡ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Y B Z↷ A
9♡ 6♡ Knv♡ 8♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. Y B Z↷ A
Kg♡ 7♡ 5♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. Y↷ B Z A
10♡ 10♠ 6♠ Qn♣]

TRICKS 9 to 13.--A leads the queen of diamonds, and finds his partner with the entire command of diamonds (_see_ B's hand below).

AB score three by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

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

It may be observed that Z loses the game by bad play at Trick 7. The fall of the cards in Tricks 5 and 6 shows that A has the queen of hearts, and Y the king. Z should therefore, at Trick 7, lead the ace of spades to make the fourth trick, and then the heart, making the fifth trick and saving the game.

At Trick 8, if Y leads a spade and Z does not finesse, the game may be saved. To finesse at that point would be very bad play, as the ace of spades makes the fifth trick. But Y's play at Trick 8, though unfortunate, is not wrong; for Y cannot tell that Z has the ace of spades; indeed, the presumption is that he has not, or he would have led it. Y properly plays to force the long trump, and to make his partner fourth player.

HAND XXI.

An ill-judged call for trumps, and a well-judged third round, notwithstanding the adverse strength.

Kg, 5, 4 ♠
A, Qn, 10, 8 ♡
5, 3, 2 ♣
Qn, 10, 6 ♢

Score: Four-all.

Queen of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Z A↷ Y B
6♣ 10♣ A♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. Z A Y↷ B
Kg♢ A♢ 3♢ 6♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Z A↷ Y B
4♣ Knv♣ 2♠ 3♣]

REMARK.--Z has called for trumps.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. Z A Y↷ B
Knv♠ 6♠ A♠ 4♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Z A Y↷ B
8♠ Kg♣ 7♠ Kg♠]

REMARK.--The fall of the spades (_see_ Tricks 3, 4, and 5) shows that the three is in Y's hand.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. Z A Y B↷
9♠ 8♣ 3♠ 5♠]

REMARK.--It is seldom right to continue trumps when led by the opponents; but this is an exceptional case. B plays well in drawing two trumps for one, as it is evident that if Y and Z make their trumps separately they must win the odd trick.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. Z↷ A Y B
4♢ 7♢ 9♢ 10♢]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. Z A Y B↷
7♣ 9♣ 4♡ 5♣]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 4

9. Z A↷ Y B
3♡ Qn♣ 5♡ 8♡]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 5

10. Z A↷ Y B
10♠ 8♢ Knv♢ Qn♢]

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Whatever Z leads, B makes ace, queen of hearts; and

AB win the odd trick.

THE HANDS.

(B's hand is given above.)

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

Z's call for trumps is ill-judged, especially at the score of four-all. The whole club suit is declared against him, as Y, putting on ace, second hand, can have no more. If Z does not call, he wins the game easily.

HAND XXII.

Returned lead, and refusing a force.

A, 10, 9, 4, 2 ♠
10, 6, 3 ♡
9 ♣
A, Qn, 8, 7 ♢

Score: AB, one; YZ, love.

Knave of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Y B Z A↷
3♠ Qn♠ 6♠ 4♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. Y B↷ Z A
8♠ 7♠ Knv♠ A♠]

REMARK (Trick 2).--B has the five of spades, and Y the king. A, therefore, does not continue the trump, but leaves the small spade in his partner's hand.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 0

3. Y B Z A↷
3♢ Kg♢ 2♢ 7♢]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 0

4. Y B↷ Z A
6♢ 10♢ 4♢ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 0

5. Y B Z A↷
9♢ 2♣ 5♢ A♢]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 0

6. Y B Z A↷
Knv♢ 5♠ 2♡ 8♢]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 1

7. Y B↷ Z A
A♣ 4♣ 7♣ 9♣]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 2

8. Y↷ B Z A
Kg♠ 3♣ 7♡ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 3

9. Y↷ B Z A
Qn♣ 5♣ 8♣ 3♡]

REMARK (Trick 9).--A knows B has two more clubs (_see_ Tricks 7 and 8, and p. 106). A, therefore, desires to leave the lead with Y, that he may go on with another club, and so clear B's suit.

TRICKS {AB, 7 YZ, 3

10. Y↷ B Z A
Kg♣ 6♣ Knv♣ 9♠]

TRICKS {AB, 8 YZ, 3

11. Y B Z A↷
4♡ A♡ 9♡ 6♡]

REMARK (Trick 11).--A leads his smallest heart, as he does not want to tempt B to finesse (_see_ p. 142). B has ace, queen of hearts (_see_ his hand below), but he does not finesse, as the ace of hearts, last club, and A's trump make every trick.

AB win four by cards.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

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

Y should play queen of clubs at Trick 7, and ace of clubs at Trick 9, when A will not have sufficient materials for his _coup_, as he will be uncertain as to the position of the best club. Y gives his adversary too much information by playing book (_see_ p. 113). When the adversaries have command of trumps, it is often advisable, towards the end of a hand, to play so as not to enable them to count the cards.

HAND XXIII.

Refusing to overtrump.

10, 5, 3, 2 ♠
Kg, 10, 2 ♡
3, 2 ♣
A, 4, 3, 2 ♢

Score: Three-all.

Five of diamonds turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Y B Z A↷
8♠ Knv♠ 6♢ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. Y B Z↷ A
7♢ 5♣ 10♢ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Y B Z↷ A
Qn♡ A♡ 4♡ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. Y B↷ Z A
4♣ Kg♣ 9♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. Y B↷ Z A
7♣ A♣ Qn♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Y B↷ Z A
8♣ Knv♣ 5♢ 3♠]

REMARK (Trick 6).-A does not overtrump. This is the sort of _coup_ for which no rule can be laid down in a book, as it depends entirely on the state of the game and the previous fall of the cards. A sees, that his only chance of two by cards is for the remaining trumps to be divided, and for him to be able to get two rounds before he loses the command of hearts. If then his partner has ace, queen of spades, he may win the game against two by honours.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 3

7. Y B Z↷ A
8♡ 6♡ 3♡ 10♡]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 3

8. Y B Z A↷
8♢ 6♣ Knv♢ A♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 4

9. Y B Z A↷
9♢ 4♠ Qn♢ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 5

10. Y B Z↷ A
10♣ 6♠ Kg♢ 4♢]

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Z leads a heart which A wins. A leads a spade, and finds his partner with ace, queen; and

AB win two by cards (which score before honours).

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

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

HAND XXIV.

Refusing to overtrump.

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

Score: Four-all.

Five of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. B Z A↷ Y
A♢ 2♢ 9♢ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. B↷ Z A Y
10♣ 6♣ A♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 0

3. B Z A↷ Y
2♣ 3♢ Kg♢ 7♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 1

4. B Z A↷ Y
4♣ 4♢ Knv♢ Kg♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. B Z A Y↷
8♡ 3♡ 2♡ A♡]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 2

6. B Z A Y↷
Kg♡ Qn♡ Knv♡ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 3

7. B↷ Z A Y
Qn♣ 5♠ 7♣ 5♣]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 3

8. B Z↷ A Y
8♠ 5♢ 10♢ 6♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 4

9. B↷ Z A Y
10♡ 10♠ 8♣ 5♡]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 4

10. B Z↷ A Y
Knv♣ 8♢ 2♠ 6♡]

REMARK (Trick 10).--Y's play in not overtrumping is very good. He counts the hand thus: to save the game Z must hold ace, queen, or ace, knave of spades; his third card is evidently the remaining diamond. A has the nine of clubs (_see_ fall of the club suit in Tricks 2, 7, and 9), and two trumps. B has two trumps, one being queen or knave (_see_ Trick 9), and king, knave of clubs. If the cards remaining in each hand are placed face upwards on the table, and the uncertain cards, viz., the nine, four, and three of trumps are given two to A, and one to B, it will be seen that, if Y overtrumps with the seven, he cannot make the requisite three tricks; but that, if he leaves the lead with A, YZ make the remaining tricks.

It may be added, that if, at Trick 10, A discards his club, and keeps his three little trumps together, leaving the trick to B, AB must win the odd trick if B leads a trump at Trick 11 after trumping. This A might have reckoned.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

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

HAND XXV.

_See_ Refusing to overtrump, pp. 146, 147.

Qn, 2 ♠
A, 8, 2 ♡
9, 8, 5, 4 ♣
Kg, 6, 3, 2 ♢

Score: AB, three; YZ, love.

Seven of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Z A↷ Y B
A♠ 8♠ 4♠ Qn♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. Z↷ A Y B
3♣ 7♣ Knv♣ 4♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Z A Y↷ B
6♣ 6♡ A♣ 5♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. Z A↷ Y B
3♠ Knv♠ 5♠ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. Z A↷ Y B
10♠ Kg♠ 6♠ 8♣]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 2

6. Z A↷ Y B
5♢ 4♢ 8♢ Kg♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 2

7. Z A Y B↷
10♣ 9♡ 2♣ 9♣]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 3

8. Z A↷ Y B
7♢ Qn♢ A♢ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 3

9. Z A Y↷ B
Knv♡ Kg♡ 3♡ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 4

10. Z A↷ Y B
Kg♣ 9♠ 10♡ 3♢]

REMARK (Trick 10).--B can count A's hand--viz., a spade and two diamonds. Therefore, if B overtrumps he cannot possibly win two more tricks.

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 5

11. Z A Y↷ B
4♡ 9♢ Qn♣ 6♢]

TRICKS 12 and 13.--Z leads a trump (he has only trumps in hand), and B makes ace and eight.

AB win two by cards.

THE HANDS.

(B's hand is given above.)

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

The end play of this hand is difficult. At Trick 9, Y leads three of hearts in preference to the queen, as he can count an honour single in A's hand. At Trick 10, A's best lead is doubtful. At Trick 10, also, probably Y should trump with the queen (_see_ p. 147); but even then, B must place ten of hearts in Y's hand.

HAND XXVI.

Counting the hands, and consequent departure from rule.

4 ♠
A, Kg, Qn, 10, 2 ♡
8, 7 ♣
Kg, 10, 8, 7, 3 ♢

Score: AB, three; YZ, one.

Five of diamonds turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. B Z A↷ Y
Knv♢ 5♢ 6♢ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. B↷ Z A Y
2♢ 2♣ A♢ 7♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. B Z A↷ Y
Qn♠ A♠ 3♠ 4♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. B Z↷ A Y
3♣ A♣ Kg♣ 7♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. B Z↷ A Y
4♣ 10♣ 4♢ 8♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. B Z A↷ Y
7♠ 6♠ 2♠ 8♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. B Z A Y↷
5♡ 9♡ 7♡ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. B Z↷ A Y
9♣ Qn♣ 5♠ 10♡]

REMARK (Trick 7).--This is strong illustration of a case for departing from rule. Y can count two more trumps, and three more spades in A's hand (_see_ A's leads, Tricks 3 and 6, and p. 116). It is clear that A can have at most two hearts; consequently, if Y leads his tierce major in hearts, he must lose the game, as the opponents have two by honours. But, if Y can give his partner the lead, and Z has four more clubs, or the winning club, and A makes the mistake of trumping it, YZ may make every trick, and win the game.

Y would be right to play as he does even if A had led from only four spades. With a strong trump hand declared against, and a long weak suit, it is doubtful whether A should not have led the deuce of spades at Trick 3 (_see_ Appendix A); but the hand is given as it was played.

* * * * *

TRICKS 9 to 13.--Z continues to lead clubs (_see_ his hand below), and whether A passes or trumps,

YZ score four by cards.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

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

HAND XXVII.

_See_ Leading from weakest suit, p. 141.

A, 10, 7, 6, 4, 3, 2 ♠
Qn, 6, 3 ♡
5 ♣
8, 5 ♢

Score: AB, three; YZ, four.

Five of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. A↷ Y B Z
8♣ 3♣ A♣ 5♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. A Y B↷ Z
Kg♣ 4♣ Knv♣ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. A↷ Y B Z
2♣ Qn♣ 3♢ 3♠]

REMARK.--By the first discard Z shows his strong suit to be spades. In an ordinary hand, Z might afterwards throw a diamond. But here, Y must be strong in diamonds, in order to save the game; and it is important for Z to keep the power of leading that suit more than once.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. A Y↷ B Z
Kg♠ Knv♠ Qn♠ A♠]

REMARK.--B covers the honour, because the lead was from weakness. B plays badly; he should have passed the knave. For, A has shown four more trumps, and only one other trick is required. Hence, if A has ace or king of spades, the game is won to a moral certainty; if not, no good is got by covering.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. A Y B Z↷
9♢ 10♢ 4♢ 8♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. A Y↷ B Z
6♣ 8♠ 9♠ 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. A↷ Y B Z
Kg♡ A♡ 7♡ 3♡]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 4

8. A Y↷ B Z
7♣ 5♠ 6♢ 6♠]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 5

9. A↷ Y B Z
4♡ 2♡ 8♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 5

10. A Y B Z↷
9♣ 5♡ Knv♡ 7♠]

TRICKS 11 to 13.--A, with the lead, remains with the last trump and king, knave of diamonds. He (Trick 11) leads the trump; but, whatever he plays,

YZ win the odd trick.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

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

A plays well throughout, but he cannot prevent the result. His lead of the trump at Trick 3 to show his strength, and to tell his partner to make one trick certain if he has the chance, is unlucky, as it puts the adversaries on the only tack for saving the game.

HAND XXVIII.

_See_ Treating long suits like short ones, pp. 142, 143.

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

Score: AB, one; YZ, love.

Nine of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Z A↷ Y B
4♢ 3♢ 7♢ Knv♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. Z A Y B↷
4♠ Kg♠ 5♠ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 0

3. Z A↷ Y B
6♠ 7♠ Knv♠ Qn♠]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 0

4. Z A Y B↷
8♠ 3♠ 2♣ 10♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 0

5. Z A Y B↷
9♠ 5♣ 6♡ A♠]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 1

6. Z A Y B↷
6♢ 2♢ A♢ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 2

7. Z A Y↷ B
4♣ 7♣ A♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 2

8. Z A Y↷ B
Qn♣ 8♣ 9♣ Kg♣]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 3

9. Z A Y B↷
9♡ 7♡ A♡ Kg♡]

REMARK (Trick 9).--Deschapelles' Coup. B can count A's hand, three diamonds and two hearts, for the ten, nine of clubs are clearly with Y (_see_ Tricks 7 and 8). B therefore leads the king of hearts (_see_ p. 142). If he makes the usual lead of a small heart, he wins a trick less as the cards happen to lie.

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 4

10. Z A Y↷ B
6♣ 5♢ 10♣ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 5

11. Z A Y↷ B
8♢ 9♢ Knv♣ 3♡]

TRICKS {AB, 7 YZ, 5

12. Z A Y↷ B
10♡ Qn♡ 8♡ 4♡]

TRICK 13.--A makes the king of diamonds; and

AB score two by cards and two by honours.

If Y, at Trick 4, discards a heart, he saves the game. Nevertheless, his proper discard is the club (_see_ pp. 104-5).

THE HANDS.

(B's hand is given above.)

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

HAND XXIX.

_See_ Refusing to win the second round of a suit, p. 143.

Kg, 9, 7, 6, 4 ♠
A ♡
A, 6 ♣
Knv, 10, 9, 6, 3 ♢

Score: AB, four; YZ, two.

Four of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. A↷ Y B Z
Knv♡ 4♡ 3♡ A♡]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. A Y B Z↷
2♠ A♠ 3♠ 6♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 3

3. A Y↷ B Z
10♠ 8♠ 5♠ Kg♠]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. A Y B Z↷
3♣ 8♡ Knv♠ 7♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. A Y B↷ Z
4♣ 9♡ Qn♠ 9♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. A Y B↷ Z
2♡ 2♢ 10♡ 6♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. A Y B↷ Z
5♡ 4♢ 7♡ 4♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. A Y B Z↷
Kg♢ A♢ 5♢ 6♢]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 5

9. A Y↷ B Z
6♡ 8♢ Qn♢ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 6

10. A Y B↷ Z
7♣ 2♣ Qn♣ A♣]

TRICKS 10 to 13.--Z brings in the diamonds; and

YZ win three by cards.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

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

At Trick 4, A having already shown his suit does not discard from it, as there is still a possibility of bringing it in (_see_ pp. 104-6), and his king of clubs is sufficiently protected even after the discard.

If Z parts with the last trump at Trick 6, and leads diamonds, A, on the second round of diamonds, will unguard his king of clubs, knowing his partner to have a heart to lead him (_see_ fall of the heart suit, Tricks 1, 4, and 5), will bring in all the hearts, and win the odd trick.

HAND XXX.

_See_ Refusing to win the second round of a suit, pp. 143, 144.

A, Qn, Knv ♠
8, 4 ♡
A, 7, 2 ♣
A, Qn, Knv, 5, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Ten of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Z A↷ Y B
4♢ 6♢ 3♢ Knv♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. Z A Y B↷
5♡ 7♢ 8♢ A♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Z↷ A Y B
3♡ 7♡ Qn♡ 4♡]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. Z A Y↷ B
2♡ 9♡ Kg♡ 8♡]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 4

5. Z A Y↷ B
Kg♣ 4♣ 6♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 5

6. Z↷ A Y B
A♡ Knv♡ 2♠ 2♢]

REMARK (Trick 6).--B has next to no chance of bringing in the diamonds. He therefore plays to protect his short suits (_see_ pp. 104-6).

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 6

7. Z↷ A Y B
Knv♣ 10♣ 5♣ 7♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. Z↷ A Y B
3♣ Kg♢ 8♣ A♣]

REMARK (Trick 7).--B refuses to win this trick. The three of clubs is clearly in Z's hand (_see_ fall of the club suit, Tricks 5 and 7), and the two long trumps. The remaining clubs are evidently in Y's hand. If, therefore, B parts with the ace of clubs while Z has a club to lead, AB lose the game, unless A has the king of spades; and if A has that card, B loses nothing by passing this trick, as Z, having only one more club, must hold three spades.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 7

9. Z A Y B↷
6♡ 9♢ 10♢ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 7

10. Z↷ A Y B
4♠ 3♠ 9♠ Knv♠]

TRICKS 11 to 13.--B (Trick 11) leads the last diamond, and forces Z. Z (Trick 12) has only spades to lead; B makes ace, queen of spades; and

YZ score two by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(B's hand is given above).

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

HAND XXXI.

_See_ Declining to draw the losing trump, pp. 144, 145.

Qn, Knv, 9, 6, 3 ♠
Qn, 7, 5 ♡
A ♣
Qn, Knv, 9, 8 ♢]

Score: AB, love; YZ, three.

Ace of diamonds turned up.

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Y B Z A↷
7♠ 10♠ A♠ 6♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. Y B Z↷ A
A♡ 6♡ 10♡ 5♡]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 3

3. Y↷ B Z A
4♢ 2♢ A♢ 8♢]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 4

4. Y B Z↷ A
Kg♢ 10♢ 5♢ Knv♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 4

5. Y↷ B Z A
9♡ 8♡ 3♡ Qn♡]

REMARK.--It is evident that Z's lead was from king, knave, ten, &c., and that B has no more hearts. Y returning the nine, and the two not falling, must have the two single, and the other hearts are with Z.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. Y B Z A↷
6♢ 2♠ 3♢ 9♢]

REMARK.--The case now arises contemplated at p. 145. A has the best trump and the lead; Y the losing trump. Y also has one card of his partner's established suit (_see_ Remark, Trick 5). A therefore (Trick 7) does not draw the trump.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. Y B Z A↷
Kg♠ 5♠ 4♠ Qn♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. Y↷ B Z A
2♡ 3♣ Knv♡ 7♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 6

9. Y B Z↷ A
2♣ 8♠ Kg♡ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 7

10. Y B Z A↷
7♢ 6♣ 4♡ Knv♠]

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Y has nothing but clubs to lead. A wins the three tricks; and

YZ win the odd trick.

If, at Trick 7, A draws the trump, YZ win two by cards.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

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

HAND XXXII.

_See_ Throwing high cards to place the lead, pp. 147-149.

Knv, 9, 7, 3 ♠
Qn, 6, 5 ♡
8, 7, 6, 4 ♣
Kg, 4 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Five of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Y B Z A↷
5♠ 4♠ 2♠ 3♠]

REMARK.--B has no more spades.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. Y↷ B Z A
Qn♣ 3♣ 5♣ 4♣]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 3

3. Y↷ B Z A
Knv♣ Kg♣ A♣ 6♣]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 4

4. Y B Z↷ A
10♣ 2♡ 2♣ 7♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 4

5. Y↷ B Z A
7♡ 3♡ 8♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. Y B Z A↷
Kg♡ A♡ 5♢ 6♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. Y B↷ Z A
10♡ Knv♡ 9♣ 5♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. Y B Z↷ A
6♢ 2♢ A♢ Kg♢]

REMARK (Trick 8).--Well played by A. He sees that if he obtains the lead on the second round of diamonds he must continue the spade suit, a course demonstrably fatal to him, unless his partner has the queen of diamonds together with the long hearts (_see_ fall of hearts, Trick 7). By throwing the king to the ace A avoids the lead, and saves the game if his partner has either queen or knave of diamonds (as may be seen by placing the cards), unless the adversaries continue the spade suit, when the game cannot be saved, by any course of play. This clever _coup_ occurred in actual play.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 6

9. Y B Z↷ A
9♢ Qn♢ Knv♢ 4♢]

TRICKS 10 to 13.--B brings in the hearts, winning two more tricks; A makes his trump; and

YZ score the odd trick and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

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

At Trick 2, B does not cover (_see_ p. 88).

HAND XXXIII.

_See_ Throwing high cards to place the lead, pp. 147-149

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

Score: Love-all.

Nine of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Y B Z A↷
A♢ 8♢ 3♢ Kg♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. Y↷ B Z A
Knv♠ 3♠ 5♠ A♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. Y B Z A↷
5♢ 9♢ 2♢ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. Y B Z A↷
10♢ 4♣ 7♣ 4♢]

REMARK.--Y has the knave of diamonds.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Y B Z↷ A
Kg♣ Qn♣ 6♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. Y↷ B Z A
10♣ 2♡ Knv♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. Y B Z↷ A
5♣ 3♡ 9♣ 8♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. Y B Z↷ A
7♠ 6♠ Qn♠ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 7

9. Y B Z↷ A
8♠ 9♠ Kg♠ 4♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 7

10. Y B Z↷ A
4♡ 5♡ 10♡ A♡]

REMARK (Trick 10).--A plays very well in putting on the ace. He wants two more tricks besides his ace of hearts to save the game. The last trump and best diamond are against him. It is clear, therefore, if A has the lead after the second round of hearts (when he must lead a diamond), he loses the game. It is also clear that unless B has king, knave, and a small heart, the game is gone.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 7

11. Y B Z A↷
6♡ Kg♡ 8♡ Qn♡]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 7

12. Y B↷ Z A
7♡ Knv♡ 9♡ 6♢]

YZ score two by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

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

At Trick 2, Y is in difficulties. His strong suit has been led by his right-hand adversary. Under these circumstances, he leads from his strongest weak suit.

At Trick 6, Y's play in continuing the trump is open to criticism. His better lead seems to be knave of diamonds. Z wins his partner's ten of trumps in order to draw all the trumps. It is very bad play, for if Z passes the ten, and Y leads the knave of diamonds, the game is certain. This is an example of the very common error of winning partner's trick. It should seldom be done, and only if a positive advantage can be well-nigh demonstrated from doing it.

At Trick 11, the advantage of winning partner's trick--when judiciously done--is shown. B, seeing A's anxiety to get rid of the lead, rightly conjectures that A has two more diamonds. He therefore takes the only course to save the game, by winning his partner's queen of hearts.

HAND XXXIV.

Echo of the Call (_see_ p. 128).

9, 7, 6, 2 ♠
9, 8, 5, 3 ♡

7, 6, 5, 4, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

Eight of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. A↷ Y B Z
A♠ 10♠ 4♠ 2♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. A↷ Y B Z
Qn♠ 3♠ 5♠ 7♠]

REMARK (Trick 2).--Y has called for trumps. Z, having four trumps himself, commences to echo his partner's call.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. A↷ Y B Z
8♠ 7♡ Kg♠ 6♠]

REMARK.--Z completes the echo of the call.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 1

4. A Y↷ B Z
A♡ 10♡ 4♡ 5♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. A↷ Y B Z
Knv♠ Knv♡ 6♣ 9♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. A Y↷ B Z
2♡ Kg♡ 6♡ 3♡]

REMARK (Trick 6).--Z having echoed, Y has no hesitation in leading trumps again after being forced a second time.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. A Y↷ B Z
8♢ Kg♢ Knv♢ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. A Y↷ B Z
9♢ A♢ 7♣ 4♢]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 5

9. A Y↷ B Z
10♢ 3♢ 8♣ 5♢]

TRICKS 10 to 13.--A (Trick 10) leads queen of diamonds, which analysis shows is rather better than a club, though, as the cards happen to lie, his lead is immaterial. Y trumps the diamond, and

YZ score three by cards and two by honours.

* * * * *

But for the echo, the game might have been missed. If after being forced a second time, at Trick 5, Y deems it prudent not to continue trumps, and leads two rounds of diamonds, B makes a small trump, and the game is saved.

THE HANDS.

(Z's hand is given above.)

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

HAND XXXV.

Leading losing trump, to place the lead.

Knv, 10, 9, 8 ♠
Knv, 9, 7, 6, 3, 2 ♡
Knv ♣
Kg, 2 ♢

Score: Love-all.

King of hearts turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. B Z A↷ Y
3♢ 6♢ A♢ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 1

2. B Z A↷ Y
4♢ 7♢ Knv♢ Kg♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. B Z A Y↷
A♡ 5♡ 10♡ 6♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. B↷ Z A Y
10♢ 4♡ 5♢ Knv♣]

REMARKS (Tricks 3 and 4).--Y leads fourth-best; Z echoes; but as the cards lie, it so happens that the position of the hearts would be independently marked after Trick 5.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. B Z↷ A Y
2♠ Kg♡ Qn♡ 2♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. B Z↷ A Y
3♣ A♣ 2♣ 8♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. B Z↷ A Y
5♣ Kg♣ 4♣ 9♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. B Z↷ A Y
9♣ 6♣ 10♣ 3♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 7

9. B Z A Y↷
3♠ A♠ Qn♠ Knv♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 8

10. B Z↷ A Y
4♠ 7♣ Qn♣ 9♡]

REMARK (Trick 10).--Well played by Y. He can count his partner's hand, viz., the eight of trumps (_see_ Remark, Trick 4, and the fall of the hearts, Tricks 3, 4, and 5), the last club, and a losing spade, as Z having put on the ace of spades (Trick 9), cannot have the king. Y therefore trumps with the nine, and (Trick 11) leads the seven of hearts to put the lead in Z's hand. Z (Trick 12) leads the club, to which Y discards the ten of spades; and

YZ win five by cards.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

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

At Trick 4, B should have led a spade. A having shown at least five diamonds by leading ace, then knave (_see_ p. 66), the diamond is sure to be trumped, and it may force the weak trump hand, or may allow one adversary to discard and the other to trump.

HAND XXXVI.

Echo after a force (_see_ p. 129).

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

Score: AB, three; YZ, four.

Two of spades turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Z A↷ Y B
Kg♡ 6♡ 2♡ Knv♡]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. Z↷ A Y B
Kg♣ 3♣ 2♣ 8♣]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 2

3. Z↷ A Y B
Qn♣ 3♠ 4♣ 6♣]

REMARK.--B has called.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. Z A↷ Y B
Kg♠ 8♠ 10♠ Qn♠]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 4

5. Z↷ A Y B
9♡ 10♡ A♡ 8♡]

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 5

6. Z A Y↷ B
Kg♢ 5♢ 6♢ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. Z↷ A Y B
7♢ 2♢ 10♢ Qn♢]

REMARK.--A has echoed. He therefore had at least four trumps originally.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. Z A Y B↷
2♠ 5♠ Knv♠ A♠]

REMARK.--The remaining trump is in A's hand. But for the echo, it might be in Z's hand.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 5

9. Z A Y B↷
5♣ 9♢ 8♢ A♢]

REMARK (Trick 9).--B can now lead ace of diamonds, without fear of its being trumped (_see_ Remark, Trick 8). If the position of the other trump were uncertain, the lead of the ace of diamonds would be wrong. For, by leading nine of trumps, B can make certain of saving the game (_see_ score); whereas, if Z has a trump, and trumps the ace of diamonds, B loses the game, as Y will then make a diamond.

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 5

10. Z A Y B↷
3♡ 7♠ Knv♢ 4♢]

* * * * *

TRICKS 11 to 13.--B makes his three trumps, and

AB win the game.

THE HANDS.

(B's hand is given above.)

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

HAND XXXVII.

Coup of compelling a discard, same in principle as the Vienna Coup.

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

Score: Love-all.

King of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. B Z A↷ Y
Kg♡ 3♡ 8♡ 6♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. B↷ Z A Y
A♡ 4♡ 2♡ 5♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. B↷ Z A Y
5♢ 2♢ 9♢ Qn♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. B Z A Y↷
9♣ Kg♣ 6♣ 3♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 2

5. B Z↷ A Y
Qn♣ 7♣ 8♣ Knv♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. B↷ Z A Y
Kg♠ A♠ 4♠ 3♠]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 4

7. B Z↷ A Y
3♢ 4♣ 10♣ A♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 5

8. B Z A Y↷
4♢ Knv♢ 9♡ Kg♢]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 6

9. B Z A Y↷
6♢ 5♠ 10♡ 5♣]

REMARK (Trick 9).--Well played by Y. He can count B's hand as follows: ten and two small diamonds; queen of spades (_see_ Trick 6--the lead of the king could only be from king, queen); and one other card, probably a small spade, for had B another heart he would most likely have continued his partner's original lead, instead of changing the suit. Y now leads a trump in hopes that B will discard the small spade, when Y will lead the seven of spades to throw the lead into B's hand, and B will be obliged to lead a diamond up to Y's tenace.

B, however, discards a diamond. Y continues his tactics (_see_ Trick 10), leading another trump. This compels another discard from B. If B discards the small spade, Y leads the losing spade; if B discards another diamond, Y establishes the diamonds, and in either case wins the game. This fine _coup_ occurred in actual play.

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 7

10. B Z A Y↷
2♠ 6♠ 8♠ 2♣]

* * * * *

TRICKS 11 to 13.--Y (Trick 11) leads the spade. B is obliged (Trick 12) to lead a diamond; and

YZ score three by cards and two by honours.

THE HANDS.

(Y's hand is given above.)

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

At Trick 10, B should notice that he must lose the game if he retains the queen of spades. His only chance of saving the game here is to discard the queen of spades, in hopes of finding his partner with two tricks in spades, or with a trick in spades and hearts. If A has not these cards, the game is lost.

HAND XXXVIII.

Grand Coup (_see_ pp. 151-155).

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

Score: Love-all.

Ace of clubs turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 0

1. Z A↷ Y B
4♡ Kg♡ 3♡ 6♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 0

2. Z A↷ Y B
7♡ Qn♡ 5♡ 4♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 1

3. Z A↷ Y B
10♣ A♡ 8♡ 3♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 2

4. Z↷ A Y B
2♢ 6♢ A♢ 5♢]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Z A Y↷ B
A♣ 2♡ Knv♡ 6♣]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 3

6. Z↷ A Y B
Qn♢ 10♢ 9♢ Kg♢]

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 3

7. Z A Y B↷
7♢ Kg♣ 2♣ Qn♣]

REMARK.--The fall of the king shows that the remaining clubs are in Y's hand.

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 3

8. Z A↷ Y B
8♢ 10♡ 9♡ 4♣]

REMARK.--Well played by B. All the hearts are out; the remaining diamonds are in Z's hand (_see_ fall of the diamonds, Tricks, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7), and all the clubs are in Y's hand. Y must therefore have three trumps and two spades. If B discards a spade to this trick, he cannot avoid leading trumps twice up to Y. In that case Y will make two tricks in trumps, saving the game, as will be apparent by so playing the cards. The result is otherwise if B trumps his partner's best heart. He can then lead out ace and king of spades, to which Y must follow suit; and by continuing with the five of clubs (the nine, eight, and three are in against him), B secures the tenace, and wins the game.

* * * * *

TRICKS 9 to 13.--B (Tricks 9 and 10) leads spades, and (Trick 11) the six of clubs. B makes the last two tricks, 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.
9, 5, 4, 3, 2 ♠|Qn, 6 ♠|Knv, 10, 8, 7 ♠
Ace, Kg, Qn, 10, 2 ♡|Knv, 9, 8, 5, 3 ♡|7, 4 ♡
Kg ♣|9, 8, 3, 2 ♣|Ace, 10 ♣
10, 6 ♢|Ace, 9 ♢|Qn, Knv, 8, 7, 2 ♢

At Trick 4, Z leads his lowest diamond, though holding five, because strength in trumps is declared against. (_See_ Appendix A).

HAND XXXIX.

Grand Coup (_see_ pp. 151-155).

6, 4, 3 ♠
A, 8 ♡
Knv, 10, 7, 6, 2 ♣
6, 4, 2 ♢

Score: Four-all.

Knave of diamonds turned up.]

THE PLAY.

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 1

1. Y B Z A↷
3♣ Kg♣ A♣ 6♣]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 2

2. Y B Z↷ A
2♠ 7♠ A♠ 3♠]

TRICKS {AB, 0 YZ, 3

3. Y B Z↷ A
Kg♠ 5♠ 10♠ 4♠]

REMARK.--B has called.

TRICKS {AB, 1 YZ, 3

4. Y↷ B Z A
Qn♡ 9♡ 2♡ A♡]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 3

5. Y B Z A↷
5♢ Qn♢ Knv♢ 6♢]

REMARK.--B has three of trumps.

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 4

6. Y B↷ Z A
4♣ 9♣ Qn♣ 2♣]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 5

7. Y B Z↷ A
9♠ 8♠ Qn♠ 6♠]

TRICKS {AB, 2 YZ, 6

8. Y B Z↷ A
10♡ 4♡ Kg♡ 8♡]

TRICKS {AB, 3 YZ, 6

9. Y B Z↷ A
Knv♡ 3♢ 3♡ 4♢]

REMARK.--A plays a masterly _coup_ in trumping with the four. He argues that B, having a weak hand, would not call for trumps with less than five trumps, two honours. If so, B has a trump too many, and Y must make a trick in trumps, unless B can play the _Grand Coup_ with the three of trumps (_see_ Remark, Trick 5).

B undertrumps his partner, the _Grand coup_.

TRICKS {AB, 4 YZ, 6

10. Y B Z A↷
7♢ 8♢ 5♡ 2♢]

TRICKS {AB, 5 YZ, 6

11. Y B↷ Z A
8♣ 5♣ 6♡ 10♣]

TRICKS {AB, 6 YZ, 6

12. Y B Z A↷
9♢ 10♢ Knv♠ Knv♣]

and AB win the odd trick.

THE HANDS.

(A's hand is given above.)

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

At Trick 5 B can place all the remaining trumps; hence he undertrumps his partner at Trick 10. Though his play is very good, A's _coup_ in trumping with the four, so as to render B's _coup_ possible, is entitled to the palm. Hence, A's hand heads the example.

At Trick 9, Z ought to lead knave of spades, on which Y should discard eight of clubs, when YZ win the game.