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The Setting Trick

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The Setting Trick

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Kostis Koul

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THE

SETTING
TRICK
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS IN BRIDGE DEFENSE

Ian McCance

MASTER POINT PRESS • TORONTO

Text © 2008 Ian McCance
All rights reserved. It is illegal to reproduce any portion of this material,
except by special arrangement with the publisher. Reproduction of this
material without authorization, by any duplication process whatsoever, is
a violation of copyright.

Cover Picture © PictureNet/Corbis

Master Point Press

331 Douglas Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (416) 781-0351
M5M 1H2
Email: [email protected]
Websites: www.masterpointpress.com
www.masteringbridge.com
www.bridgeblogging.com
www.ebooksbridge.com

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

McCance, Ian
The setting trick : practical problems in bridge defense / Ian McCance.

ISBN 978-1-55494-026-4

1. Contract bridge--Defensive play.

I. Title.

GV1282.42.M33 2008 795.41'53 C2008-904144-5

Editor Ray Lee

Copy editing Sarah Howden
Interior format Sarah Howden
Cover and interior design Olena S. Sullivan/New Mediatrix
INTRODUCTION
These deals all occurred in actual play. Most were encountered by the
author, while others were found elsewhere, chiefly in Vugraph files at
BridgeBase. Occasional minor changes have been made to sharpen the
focus.
As the title implies, the emphasis throughout is solely on defeating the
contract. We are playing teams, not matchpoints, and the number of
undertricks is irrelevant. The reader is being encouraged to seek out the
critical fourth trick against a major suit game, the fifth against 3NT, and so
on.

Signaling: Attitude, count, or suit preference? There would be no point

here in leading the reader through the complexity of arguments for and
against the various signaling methods. If you Google “bridge+signals+atti-
tude”, you’ll see what I mean. For our purposes it has been necessary to
adopt a consistent approach and that is:
• “Standard” signals are used – a high card encourages or
shows even count.
• Attitude is shown on partner’s lead.
• Count is shown when following suit.
• Suit preference is shown whenever and wherever
possible/sensible within the constraints of attitude and
count. This may be foreign to some readers, but many years
of struggling to defend adequately have convinced me of its
value.
Occasionally the text will discuss whether the defense might have been
assisted or hindered by the use of alternative signaling methods.

System: The auctions are mostly as they happened and so are based on
Acol, Standard American or Precision, all in common use in Australia.
Relevant notrump ranges are shown.

Standard of play: At least an intermediate level of competence is assumed,

but the declarers do not always play perfectly (or for that matter bid per-
fectly). That is all part of the rich tapestry — good defense has to take
advantage of every opportunity.

The Setting Trick 3

Complexity: The deals are presented in no particular order and the level of
difficulty is quite variable. That’s how defensive situations arise at the table
— sorting for difficulty gives the reader “unauthorized information”! Also,
since what I find difficult you may find easy and vice versa, sorting may be
misleading.

4 The Setting Trick

Acknowledgments
This material first appeared in the monthly bulletin of the Victorian Bridge
Association, whose permission to use it is acknowledged.
Bill Jacobs was formerly co-editor with me of the VBA Bulletin and is
now its sole editor. His keen eye for detail and expertise in analysis have
contributed immeasurably to the preparation and presentation of this
material.

The Setting Trick 5

6 The Setting Trick
THE
SETTING
TRICK
PROBLEM 1 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♥
2♥1 dbl 2NT2 3♥
pass 4♥ dbl all pass

1. Michaels, 5+ spades, 5+ minor.

2. Which minor?

PROBLEM 2 To Solution
Partner leads the ♦Q to ♠ A 10 3
declarer’s ♦A. ♥ Q8742
South takes trumps ♦ 975
in two rounds, partner ♣ QJ
discarding the ♠7 (sug-
♠ QJ
gesting a six-suit).
N-S Vul. ♥ J6
South next leads a club
Dealer N ♦ 632
from hand. Your ♣K
wins. What do you ♣ K 10 8 6 5 4
return?
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass pass 1♥
1♠ 3♥ pass 4♥
all pass

8 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 3 To Solution
The ♠6 is led to the ♠ A 10
♠10, ♠Q and ♠K. ♥ AJ5
Declarer successfully ♦ Q9743
runs the diamond ten
♣ A53
and plays the ♦K. He
♠ Q98743
wins as partner plays the
None Vul. ♥ Q 10 3
♦J, then plays another
Dealer S ♦ 52
diamond, which partner
wins with the ♦A. ♣ K9
You give up on
spades and discard a WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
helpful ♠9. Partner pass
switches to the ♥4, your pass 1♦ 2♠1 2NT
♥10 winning. Your ♥Q pass 3NT all pass
holds, then a third heart
is played to the ♥9, ♥8 1. Weak.
and ♥A. You are
reduced to black cards, and as declarer starts to cash two winning diamonds
you contemplate his three tricks in spades, one in each of hearts and clubs
and four in diamonds. So what is your plan?

PROBLEM 4 To Solution
Your ♠9 lead is covered ♠ J3
by the ♠J, ♠K and ♠A. ♥ KQ542
Declarer produces the ♦ 10 9 8 7 5
♦2. How will you ♣ 2
defend?
♠ 98765
♥ A93 None Vul.
♦ Q6 Dealer E
♣ 10 8 7

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣
pass 1♥ pass 2NT1
pass 3♥ pass 3NT
all pass

1. 18-19 HCP.

The Setting Trick 9

SOLUTION 1 To problem

♠ KQJ
♥ KJ2
♦ J5432
♣ 10 7
♠ A 10 8 7 5 ♠ 92
♥ 7 N-S Vul. ♥ 954
♦ 9 Dealer N ♦ AK876
♣ Q86543 ♣ K92
♠ 643
♥ A Q 10 8 6 3
♦ Q 10
♣ AJ

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♥
2♥1 dbl 2NT2 3♥
pass 4♥ dbl all pass

1. Michaels, 5+ spades, 5+ minor.

2. Which minor?

Defending 4♥, partner, whose bid of 2♥ showed spades and a minor,

presumably clubs, led the ♦9. You won the first round.

Clearly the defense can come to two tricks in diamonds, but you need two
more to defeat 4♥. A few moments’ reflection should suggest that it is futile
to take two rounds of diamonds and lead a third to promote a trump in
West’s hand. Partner led for a ruff, not a promotion.
You should gratify him by leading your lowest diamond at Trick 2.
That achieves the defense’s second trick without setting up a diamond in
dummy.
Returning the ♦6 indicates a card in clubs but there is no hurry on this
hand — although our goal is the “Setting Trick”, we can look at this in
reverse by counting declarer’s tricks. These are limited to six in hearts
(partner must have one!), and depending on the location of the black aces,
either three in spades or two in spades and the ♣A.
If declarer turns up with the ♣AQ you can deliver a little lecture about
the Michaels cuebid.

10 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 2 To problem

♠ A 10 3
♥ Q8742
♦ 975
♣ QJ
♠ K98765 ♠ QJ
♥ 5 N-S Vul. ♥ J6
♦ QJ84 Dealer N ♦ 632
♣ A3 ♣ K 10 8 6 5 4
♠ 42
♥ A K 10 9 3
♦ A K 10
♣ 972

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♥
1♠ 3♥ pass 4♥
all pass

You are defending 4♥. Partner led the ♦Q to declarer’s ♦A, and
trumps were drawn. South led a club to the ♣J and your ♣K.

A few moments’ reflection shows that the setting trick is in the bag, if only
you don’t let it out again. Declarer’s shape is 2-5-3-3 or 2-5-4-2. (There is
no defense to 2-5-5-1.) Since declarer can’t have the ♣A, you are entitled to
two clubs, one diamond and one spade.
It seems only polite to switch to the ♠Q, since partner will not expect
such useful spades. However, if partner has to win the next round of clubs
and does not have the ♦10, he may be in trouble for an exit card. Partner’s
only recourse will be to play you for the ♠J as well as the ♠Q. Logically, you
must hold it, else a low spade would have been returned from dummy after
the ♠Q was taken by the ♠A, but partner is under pressure. You have left
him with four wrong cards to play (three diamonds and the ♠K), and four
right cards (the low spades).
How much simpler it would be to return a diamond, setting up part-
ner’s ♦J. On winning the ♣A and the ♦J, partner is endplayed into broach-
ing spades, but you know that can’t cost.
Notice that partner could have taken the ♣A and exited in clubs, but
from his viewpoint that would be a losing play if South held the ♣10.

The Setting Trick 11

SOLUTION 3 To problem

♠ A 10
♥ AJ5
♦ Q9743
♣ A53
♠ 62 ♠ Q98743
♥ K864 None Vul. ♥ Q 10 3
♦ AJ6 Dealer S ♦ 52
♣ Q742 ♣ K9
♠ KJ5
♥ 972
♦ K 10 8
♣ J 10 8 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass
pass 1♦ 2♠1 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

1. Weak.

Against 3NT, partner led the ♠6 to the ♠10, ♠Q, and ♠K. Declarer
won and then guessed diamonds, running the ♦10. He then moved
on to play the ♦K. Partner won the third diamond. Reading your
♠9 correctly, he switched to a low heart and your ♥10 held. So did
the ♥Q, and you drove out the ♥A. Now you have to discard on two
long diamonds.

Despair not! Declarer has bungled the position in spades and has no path
back to the ♠J unless you provide it. Get rid of that ♣K (either by discard-
ing it or playing it under the ♣A) before you become a stepping stone!
Partner’s ♣Q and ♥K are the setting tricks.
You notice afterwards that declarer has overbid, but you would have
more to complain about if the ♠A had been played at Trick 1.

12 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 4 To problem

♠ J3
♥ KQ542
♦ 10 9 8 7 5
♣ 2
♠ 98765 ♠ K2
♥ A93 ♥ 10 7 6
None Vul.
♦ Q6 ♦ KJ4
Dealer E
♣ 10 8 7 ♣ QJ643
♠ A Q 10 4
♥ J8
♦ A32
♣ AK95

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣
pass 1♥ pass 2NT1
pass 3♥ pass 3NT
all pass

1. 18-19 HCP.

In 3NT, the ♠9 lead went to the ♠J, ♠K, and ♠A. South’s next card
was the ♦2.

So declarer has two or three tricks in spades, one in hearts and is likely to
be well-upholstered in clubs. When he plays the ♦2, it looks as if his
remaining tricks have to come from diamonds, and here you know what’s
what, because the auction has told you declarer has only two hearts.
It is likely that declarer has Axx in diamonds, and you have to remove
the entry in hearts before diamonds are established. Take control — play
the ♦Q and switch to the ♥3.

The Setting Trick 13

PROBLEM 5 To Solution

Your ♥Q lead is won by ♠ AK7

partner’s ace, declarer ♥ 8532
dropping the ♥K. East ♦ K97
switches to the ♣5,
♣ 10 6 4
declarer’s ♣2 and your
♠ J
♣Q.
♥ Q J 10 None Vul.
What will you play
♦ AJ842 Dealer W
now?
♣ KQ98

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ dbl (!) 1♥ 4♠
all pass

PROBLEM 6 To Solution

1. Multi (a weak six-card major).

2. Strong enquiry.
3. Minimum with spades.
14 The Setting Trick
PROBLEM 7 To Solution

PROBLEM 8 To Solution
The lead is the ♠6. ♠ AKJ
Declarer decides cor- ♥ J65
rectly that this is from ♦ K965
the long suit, and wins ♣ 632
the first trick with the
♠ 7
♠J, following with the
None Vul. ♥ A Q 10 8 4
♠2. Declarer embarks
Dealer E ♦ Q 10 8
on clubs. West follows
low once, then discards ♣ J 10 9 5
the three, four, and five
of spades and dummy WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
discards a diamond. pass 1NT1
You win the fourth club 2♣2 3NT all pass
— then what do you
play? 1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Single-suited hand.

The Setting Trick 15

SOLUTION 5 To problem

♠ AK7
♥ 8532
♦ K97
♣ 10 6 4
♠ J ♠ 42
♥ Q J 10 None Vul. ♥ A9764
♦ AJ842 Dealer W ♦ 653
♣ KQ98 ♣ J75
♠ Q 10 9 8 6 5 3
♥ K
♦ Q 10
♣ A32

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ dbl (!) 1♥ 4♠
all pass

You led the ♥Q against the 4♠ and partner won with the ♥A, drop-
ping South’s ♥K. He switched to the ♣5.

Two more tricks are needed, and East’s return of a low club suggests that
suit rather than diamonds as the source of our fourth trick. Declarer with
nothing better to do may have a finesse position in diamonds — that ♦9 is
ominous. Return the ♣8.

16 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 6 To problem

♠ K Q 10 7 5 3
♥ 10 7 5
♦ 865
♣ 3
♠ J84 ♠ 6
♥ AJ93 E-W Vul. ♥ 842
♦ Q J 10 9 4 Dealer W ♦ A73
♣ Q ♣ A J 10 9 8 2
♠ A92
♥ KQ6
♦ K2
♣ K7654

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 2♦1 pass 2NT2
pass 3♦3 pass 4♠
all pass

1. Multi (a weak six-card major).

2. Strong enquiry.
3. Minimum with spades.

The contract is 4♠ from South. Trick 1 was won by the ♣A, Trick 2
by declarer’s ♦K. He returned a diamond and partner won with the
♦A to switch to the ♥8.

The peculiarities of the N/S Multi auction have led to the strong hand play-
ing the contract, often an advantage. Here the defense has already done
some of declarer’s work, and he is now set up to ruff a diamond in South.
That will make for six trumps, two diamonds and the marked ♣K. Now it
seems that the heart trick makes ten.
However, if South has only three spades, he can’t ruff a diamond, draw
trumps and cash the ♣K unless he has an entry to hand. The heart switch
has removed the entry prematurely — West must duck this heart. (East’s
♥8 leaves no doubt about the location of the ♥Q.)

The Setting Trick 17

SOLUTION 7 To problem

♠ Q97
♥ 10 7 6 5
♦ Q8
♣ AK87
♠ A 10 6 5 ♠ J42
♥ J E-W Vul. ♥ AQ2
♦ J9764 Dealer W ♦ K 10 5 3 2
♣ J62 ♣ 10 4
♠ K83
♥ K9843
♦ A
♣ Q953
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass pass pass 1♥
pass 2NT1 pass 4♥
all pass

1. Four hearts, 10-12 HCP.

Against 4♥, partner led the ♥J to declarer’s ♥K. Declarer eliminat-

ed diamonds and finished clubs, eventually throwing you in with a
trump.

The defense needs two more tricks, so obviously partner has to have the
♠A. If declarer holds the ♠10, his endplay has succeeded, so we must play
partner for that card as well. The only card to give declarer a problem is the
♠J. That way, he has to guess where the ♠10 is (he can place your partner
with the ♠A from your initial pass).
Presented as a problem, this may be a bit too easy. However, it illus-
trates one of the many cases where a defender has to exit with an unsup-
ported honor. In the case here, if East held ♠AJ4, it would still be right to
return the ♠J.

18 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 8 To problem

♠ AKJ
♥ J65
♦ K965
♣ 632
♠ Q 10 8 6 5 4 3 ♠ 7
♥ 93 None Vul. ♥ A Q 10 8 4
♦ A43 Dealer E ♦ Q 10 8
♣ 8 ♣ J 10 9 5
♠ 92
♥ K72
♦ J72
♣ AKQ74

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
2♣2 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Single-suited hand.

We are defending 3NT. Dummy’s ♠J won Trick 1. Declarer cashed

the ♣AKQ, partner discarding low spades. You are in with the ♣J.

The weak notrump is very informative when its points are massed in one
suit. Here you can see that partner must have one of the ♥K or the ♦A.
(Partner’s discards suggest the ♦A, but that is irrelevant.)
Inspired by those par-point contests of fifty years ago, you find the shift
to the ♥Q, establishing a tenace over dummy’s ♥J. If declarer wins the ♥K,
cashes his club and leads the ♦2, partner will win the ♦A to lead hearts, of
course, since he can count declarer’s three tricks in spades, one in hearts,
one in diamonds and four in clubs. (If partner held ♥Kx or ♥Kxx, he
would have overtaken the ♥Q and returned the suit to remove all doubt.)
Declarer can attempt to counter by ducking the ♥Q. Now you must
switch to diamonds. Partner should know that declarer can’t hold both the
queen and jack of diamonds, but if you are worried that the ♦8 looks
unpromising you could always try the ♦10, which could be run to the king
if not covered. Either way, two tricks in diamonds and the ♥A, together
with the ♣J and ♥Q, make up the setting tricks.

The Setting Trick 19

PROBLEM 9 To Solution

PROBLEM 10 To Solution
You start with an unfor- ♠ AKQ5
tunate ♥5 and dummy’s ♥ Q3
♥Q wins. Declarer ♦ KJ3
takes two rounds of
♣ K652
trumps, crosses to the
♠ 3
♥A (partner has played
the ♥9 then the ♥10), ♥ K86542
E-W Vul.
and leads the ♦6 to the ♦ Q52 Dealer E
♦2, ♦J, and ♦A. ♣ AQ8
Partner exits with the
♠J to the ♠Q and WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
declarer is about to play pass pass
the ♦K then the ♦3 as 1♥ dbl pass 1♠
you plan your defense. pass 2♠ all pass

20 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 11 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦ dbl redbl
2♥ pass pass 3NT
all pass

PROBLEM 12 To Solution

Partner leads the ♥10 ♠ A853

against 3NT. How do ♥ 5
you plan to defend? ♦ QJ762
♣ 952
♠ 9762
N-S Vul. ♥ AK763
Dealer S ♦ A4
♣ K4

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
pass 1♦ 1♥ 2♦
pass 3♦ pass 3NT
all pass

The Setting Trick 21

SOLUTION 9 To problem

♠ A J 10 4
♥ J8
♦ AK975
♣ KJ
♠ K8 ♠ 95
♥ A97532 None Vul. ♥ K4
♦ Q 10 Dealer N ♦ 8632
♣ 852 ♣ A 10 7 6 4
♠ Q7632
♥ Q 10 6
♦ J4
♣ Q93

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ pass 1♠
2♥ 4♠ all pass

Defending 4♠, partner starts with the ♥A and continues the ♥9 to

your ♥K.

Three tricks for the defense are clear enough, but what about the fourth?
There are precious few high cards missing and you will have to assume
partner holds the right ones. Partner didn’t lead a diamond so won’t have
a singleton, but if the remainder are 2-2, it might be possible to deny South
entry to hand to finesse against partner’s almost certain ♠K (by subtrac-
tion; the ♥9 said he doesn’t like clubs).
So return a small diamond. Declarer plays the ♦J, wins partner’s ♦Q
in dummy and tries the ♣K. You were right!
Duck this club, win the next and lock declarer in dummy with a dia-
mond for the setting trick.
So the answers to the three questions are:

1) Deny entry to the South hand.

2) Return the ♦2
3) Duck the ♣K, take the ♣J and continue diamonds.

22 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 10 To problem

♠ AKQ5
♥ Q3
♦ KJ3
♣ K652
♠ 3 ♠ J 10 8 2
♥ K86542 E-W Vul. ♥ J 10 9
♦ Q52 Dealer E ♦ A 10 4
♣ AQ8 ♣ J 10 3
♠ 9764
♥ A7
♦ 9876
♣ 974

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass
1♥ dbl pass 1♠
pass 2♠ all pass

Defending 2♠, you led the ♥5, taken by the queen. Two rounds of
spades followed, then the ♥A (partner had three) and a diamond to
the ♦J and ♦A. Partner returned the ♠J.

At this point, you can count declarer’s three tricks in spades, two in hearts,
one in diamonds and inevitably the ♣K. The play in trumps makes it clear
that partner started with ♠J10xx, and to defeat this contract partner must
gain entry to draw trumps.
This is unblocking time again — you must play partner for the ♦10
and discard the ♦Q.
If you win the ♦Q, you can’t prevent declarer from winning your low
club with the ♣K, thus preventing partner from gaining the lead. If you
have previously won with the ♣Q (which declarer ducks), then exited the
♣A and another, declarer simply leads the ♣2 to make one trick in trumps.
If you still have the high clubs you are put back on lead in clubs to lead a
heart with the same result.

The Setting Trick 23

SOLUTION 11 To problem

♠ 10 9 5
♥ K
♦ A97432
♣ A98
♠ Q2 ♠ AJ64
♥ 98543 E-W Vul. ♥ J762
♦ K65 Dealer W ♦ Q 10
♣ Q 10 6 ♣ K43
♠ K873
♥ A Q 10
♦ J8
♣ J752

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦ dbl redbl
2♥ pass pass 3NT
all pass

Against 3NT, the ♥9 was led and the ♥K won. The next card was the
♦2.

You need to have gathered your thoughts quickly. It seems declarer’s tricks
will have to come from diamonds, and if South holds the ♦K, 3NT is like-
ly to make.
Moreover, if you play the ♦10 on this trick, declarer may be forced to
drop your ♦Q. For example, in the layout shown, after partner wins the ♦K
and switches to a club, declarer wouldn’t be able to cope with four dia-
monds to the K-Q in the West hand.
So go up with the ♦Q and attack dummy’s outside entry by leading a
club, preferably the ♣K.

24 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 12 To problem

♠ A853
♥ 5
♦ QJ762
♣ 952
♠ K J 10 4 ♠ 9762
♥ 10 9 4 N-S Vul. ♥ AK763
♦ 83 Dealer S ♦ A4
♣ 8763 ♣ K4
♠ Q
♥ QJ82
♦ K 10 9 5
♣ A Q J 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
pass 1♦ 1♥ 2♦
pass 3♦ pass 3NT
all pass

Partner leads the ♥10 against 3NT and East has to work out what
to do.

The key to this hand is the distribution of the hearts. Declarer is likely 4-4
in clubs and diamonds. If he has three hearts, it will be sufficient to duck a
heart and then, after you win the ♦A, four heart tricks will set the contract.
But can declarer hold three hearts? That would give partner ♥10984 or
♥10942.
Would partner lead the ♥10 from these holdings? Well, maybe, espe-
cially from the first. Would partner have raised with these holdings? Again,
maybe — he can have very few HCP. We can see that these are certainly in
spades, and putting the two “maybes” together, it looks best to win the first
heart and switch to a spade.

The Setting Trick 25

PROBLEM 13 To Solution

You lead a trump and ♠ A6

partner’s ♠Q is won by ♥ KQJ
South’s ♠K. South leads ♦ 10 4 3
the ♥10, and you cor-
♣ 98732
rectly decide that this is
♠ 10 5 3
not a time to duck. You
♥ A863 E-W Vul.
win with the ♥A, part-
♦ AQ8 Dealer W
ner following with the
♥2. What then? ♣ A54

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1 pass 2♦2 2♠
3♥ pass pass 3♠
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Transfer.

PROBLEM 14 To Solution

26 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 15 To Solution

PROBLEM 16 To Solution
Partner leads the ♠4 to ♠ 9
the ♠K and declarer’s ♥ AJ94
♠A. Declarer plays the ♦ Q J 10 8 3
♣A, dropping the ♣K, ♣ A42
and runs the next club
♠ K832
to partner’s ♣9. Partner
None Vul. ♥ K76
switches to the ♦7.
Dealer S ♦ K9542
How do you defend?
♣ K

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
pass 1♦ pass 1♠
pass 2♥1 pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

1. Natural.

The Setting Trick 27

SOLUTION 13 To problem

♠ A6
♥ KQJ
♦ 10 4 3
♣ 98732
♠ 10 5 3 ♠ Q2
♥ A863 E-W Vul. ♥ 97542
♦ AQ8 Dealer W ♦ 762
♣ A54 ♣ KQJ
♠ KJ9874
♥ 10
♦ KJ95
♣ 10 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1 pass 2♦2 2♠
3♥ pass pass 3♠
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Transfer.

You led a trump to 3♠, picking up partner’s ♠Q. Declarer led the
♥10 and you won with the ♥A, partner following with the ♥2.

You are aiming for five tricks and if partner has the ♦K that will be enough.
How can you know? If you lead the ♣A, you might be unable to read any
signal as there are a lot of high clubs missing. Fortunately, you have a clue.
Partner couldn’t possibly want a heart continued — attitude is out.
That ♥2 just has to be a suit preference signal — the transfer has already
announced at least five hearts. Notice that after you cash the ♣A and
(encouraged by the ♣K) continue clubs to partner, it doesn’t matter
whether he tries to cash a third club or switches to a diamond. Two discards
are not enough.
Playing as East with a similar hand that featured the ♦K with nothing
much in clubs, would it have occurred to you that you should follow to the
first round of hearts with the ♥9? Suit preference can be very useful.

28 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 14 To problem

♠ J74
♥ 10 7 2
♦ 10 7 4
♣ A654
♠ 63 ♠ A K 10 9 8 5
♥ J654 Both Vul. ♥ A983
♦ 963 Dealer S ♦ K
♣ QJ93 ♣ 10 8
♠ Q2
♥ KQ
♦ AQJ852
♣ K72

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦
pass pass dbl 2♦
pass pass 2♠ pass
pass 3♦ dbl pass
3♥ pass pass 4♦
all pass

You were obliged to give up the struggle when opponents reached 4♦.
You won the first two spades, and declarer had to ruff high on the
third round. When the ♦Q held, he took an inspired view of the dia-
mond position and dropped your ♦K.
After drawing trumps, ending in South, declarer played the ♥K,
partner following with the ♥6.

Declarer must hold both the ♥K and ♥Q — the play in hearts makes no
sense otherwise. It looks as if declarer wants you to win this trick.
So don’t. Then when you take the ♥Q with your ♥A you can lead a
third round, destroying the menace in hearts needed for a club-heart
squeeze against partner.

The Setting Trick 29

SOLUTION 15 To problem

♠ A4
♥ K873
♦ AQJ86
♣ J9
♠ 93 ♠ KQ762
♥ QJ94 None Vul. ♥ A62
♦ 5432 Dealer N ♦ K 10
♣ 872 ♣ K 10 3
♠ J 10 8 5
♥ 10 5
♦ 97
♣ AQ654

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ 1♠ 1NT
pass 2NT pass 3NT
all pass

You led the ♠9 to 3NT. Partner won Trick 1 with the ♠Q and played
the ♠6. He won dummy’s ♦Q with the ♦K and cleared spades, play-
ing the ♠7 to South’s ♠J as you threw diamonds. Declarer starts to
cash diamonds.

Things look a bit bleak. On the way to his 3NT, declarer has two spades and
four diamonds making six tricks already — and you have seen only one of
South’s points. What do you discard as the diamonds are run?
Partner’s ♠7 should have helped. He will have to hold the ♥A or ♣A,
of course, and it looks like the ♥A. Thus the problem is to stop declarer
coming to more than two tricks in clubs. Stop moaning (internally) about
the rotten hands you get and put that ♣8 to work. If you hold on to all your
clubs, the spottage is just enough.
It is worth examining the strip-squeeze that engulfs East if West aban-
dons clubs. Before dummy’s last diamond is played, East holds:
♠ 2 ♥ A ♣ K 10 3
If he lets go a club, the suit will run. So he must throw the ♠2. If South is
down to
♥ 10 5 ♣ A Q 6

30 The Setting Trick

he can discard a club, finesse in clubs and duck a heart. If, perhaps more
likely, South has discarded a heart, he must now play a low heart from
dummy. East’s forced return of a club brings South the last three tricks.
The real villain of the defense may be East, who can see what is com-
ing and should start by discarding the ♣3 and later even the ♣10.

SOLUTION 16 To problem

♠ 9
♥ AJ94
♦ Q J 10 8 3
♣ A42
♠ J654 ♠ K832
♥ 853 None Vul. ♥ K76
♦ A7 Dealer S ♦ K9542
♣ 10 9 7 5 ♣ K
♠ A Q 10 7
♥ Q 10 2
♦ 6
♣ QJ863

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
pass 1♦ pass 1♠
pass 2♥1 pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

1. Natural.

Partner started the ♠4 against 3NT. It went to the ♠K and the ♠A.
Declarer played the ♣A to drop the ♣K and ran a club to partner’s
♣9. Partner exited a strange card, the ♦7.

The only possible explanation for leading through such a powerful holding
is that he holds the ♦A, and wants you to lead a spade. Pop the ♦K and lead
a spade. Declarer can make four clubs and two spades, with the ♥A to fol-
low, but you will be able to win a heart finesse and return a diamond so that
partner can cash that set-up ♠J.

The Setting Trick 31

PROBLEM 17 To Solution

1. Good raise of diamonds.

PROBLEM 18 To Solution
You lead the ♦A, which ♠ J72
brings the ♦2 from ♥ 6
declarer, a singleton. ♦ Q83
You switch to a trump,
♣ AJ8764
won by South who leads
♠ 84
a heart. You win per-
♥ AK E-W Vul.
force and partner dis-
♦ AK9654 Dealer W
plays the ♥J, not neces-
sarily count. ♣ KQ5
What now?
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1♦ pass pass 1♠
2♦ 2♠ 3♦ 3♥
pass 4♠ pass pass
dbl all pass

32 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 19 To Solution

You need three tricks to ♠ 7542

set this contract, and ♥ 5
you can’t have two in ♦ K 10 8 6
hearts. If partner has an
♣ KQ52
ace then your trump
♠ A63
ace, partner’s assumed
♥ KQ87643 None Vul.
ace and a ruff are
♦ Q7 Dealer W
enough.
So you lead the ♣4, ♣ 4
which goes to the ♣J
and ♣A. Declarer plays WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
the ♠K. 1♥ pass 2♥ 2♠
How will you 4♥ 4♠ pass pass
defend? 5♥ pass pass 5♠
all pass

PROBLEM 20 To Solution
Partner starts with the ♠ A53
♠7 and you win with ♥ 97
the ♠K. ♦ AJ9742
What is your next
♣ J9
card?
♠ KJ2
E-W Vul. ♥ 10 8 4 2
Dealer E ♦ KQ3
♣ Q73

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♠
pass 4♠ all pass

The Setting Trick 33

SOLUTION 17 To problem

♠ AKQ6
♥ AK9
♦ J94
♣ J53
♠ 10 8 ♠ 9
♥ Q532 None Vul. ♥ J87
♦ K32 Dealer N ♦ A Q 10 8 7 6
♣ KQ64 ♣ 982
♠ J75432
♥ 10 6 4
♦ 5
♣ A 10 7

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ 1♦ 1♠
2♠1 4♠ all pass

1. Good raise of diamonds.

Against 4♠, you win the opening lead with the ♦A.

Declarer had a singleton diamond, so the defense’s remaining three tricks

have to come from the round suits. If declarer is 3-3 in those suits, partner
will need to hold the ♥Q and the ♣AQ or ♣KQ.
The blueprint for the setting trick is clear — start clubs at once with the
♣8 or ♣9. If partner holds the ♣KQ, he will win the first round and exit.
When declarer draws trumps, eliminating diamonds at the same time, and
plays a third round of hearts partner will, of course, have unblocked the ♥Q
to avoid being endplayed.
If you don’t switch at Trick 2, the elimination play succeeds and your
second club trick will disappear.

34 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 18 To problem

♠ J72
♥ 6
♦ Q83
♣ AJ8764
♠ 84 ♠ 963
♥ AK E-W Vul. ♥ J 10 9 8 4 3
♦ AK9654 Dealer W ♦ J 10 7
♣ KQ5 ♣ 3
♠ A K Q 10 5
♥ Q752
♦ 2
♣ 10 9 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ pass pass 1♠
2♦ 2♠ 3♦ 3♥
pass 4♠ pass pass
dbl all pass

Against 4♠ doubled you started the ♦A. Declarer won the trump
switch and led a heart, on which partner played an informative ♥J.

If you lead a second trump, South will win and trump a heart, ruff himself
back to hand in diamonds, draw a third round of spades and tackle the
clubs. Whatever you do, you can’t prevent dummy’s clubs being established
for discards.
If you have South’s distribution right though (5-4-1-3), partner has
only one club. You should switch now to the ♣K, which declarer must win
or the club ruff sinks him. Now declarer comes to hand with a spade, ruffs
a heart and crosses back once more with a spade to draw trumps, but you
can duck the next club. Declarer’s losing heart is your setting trick.

The Setting Trick 35

SOLUTION 19 To problem

♠ 7542
♥ 5
♦ K 10 8 6
♣ KQ52
♠ A63 ♠ 9
♥ KQ87643 None Vul. ♥ J92
♦ Q7 Dealer W ♦ A9543
♣ 4 ♣ J983
♠ K Q J 10 8
♥ A 10
♦ J2
♣ A 10 7 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥ pass 2♥ 2♠
4♥ 4♠ pass pass
5♥ pass pass 5♠
all pass

You led the ♣4 for the ruff against 5♠. Partner’s ♣J was won by
declarer’s ♣A and he embarked on trumps, the ♠K.

There is no hurry — you can afford to duck one round of trumps to see if
partner has something to say.
Partner does — on the second round of spades you get a good-news
signal in diamonds. Go for it with the ♦7 to avoid confusion.
Of course, declarer is on the diamond pick if you don’t find the ruff,
but most of my opponents have good noses.

36 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 20 To problem

♠ A53
♥ 97
♦ AJ9742
♣ J9
♠ 87 ♠ KJ2
♥ QJ3 E-W Vul. ♥ 10 8 4 2
♦ 65 Dealer E ♦ KQ3
♣ A 10 8 6 5 2 ♣ Q73
♠ Q 10 9 6 4
♥ AK65
♦ 10 8
♣ K4

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♠
pass 4♠ all pass

Partner led the ♠7 against 4♠ and you are in with the ♠K.

Partner’s suggestion that you attack dummy’s ruffing ability looks reason-
able, but what about that diamond suit?
In fact, as you can see, the diamonds can’t be brought in unless declar-
er has two1. If so, you will have the lead again after winning with the ♦Q.
So if you return a trump at Trick 2, you are not only helping to kill
heart ruffs in dummy, you can eliminate the threat of the diamonds by
returning a third trump after winning the diamond.

1. Partner is unlikely to have a singleton diamond.

The Setting Trick 37

PROBLEM 21 To Solution

You lead the ♠A, part- ♠ 62

ner following with the ♥ KQ83
♠3. You then switch to ♦ K65
the ♦J, partner playing
♣ AQJ7
the ♦8. Declarer wins
♠ A K 10 9
in hand with the ♦A,
♥ 10 Both Vul.
takes the ♥K and ♥Q
♦ J 10 9 7 2 Dealer E
and leads the ♠6 to
partner’s ♠4 and declar- ♣ 10 9 2
er’s ♠Q. What next?
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♥
pass 4♥ all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.

PROBLEM 22 To Solution

You lead the ♦2 to part- ♠ KJ84

ner’s ♦A, declarer play- ♥ AQ5
ing the ♦Q. Partner ♦ K96
returns a diamond, ♣ K98
which declarer ruffs. ♠ Q973
Declarer then runs the
♥ 64 E-W Vul.
♥J to partner’s king.
♦ J832 Dealer N
Partner opens up clubs,
playing the ♣3 to your ♣ A75
♣A.
What next? WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1♠ pass 2♠
pass 3NT pass 4♥
all pass

38 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 23 To Solution

Cashing the ♠A is suc- ♠ 4

cessful, partner con- ♥ Q 10 8 5 2
tributing the ♠61. You ♦ A85
try the ♣A and that
♣ KJ72
wins, partner playing
♠ A
the ♣9 and declarer the
♥ K974 N-S Vul.
♣10. Where is the set-
♦ K7 Dealer E
ting trick? Your play.
♣ AQ8643

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

3♠ pass
pass dbl pass 5♦
1. In our view this is not a dbl all pass
count card, and likely
not attitude either.

PROBLEM 24 To Solution

The Setting Trick 39

SOLUTION 21 To problem

♠ 62
♥ KQ83
♦ K65
♣ AQJ7
♠ A K 10 9 ♠ 543
♥ 10 Both Vul. ♥ J962
♦ J 10 9 7 2 Dealer E ♦ 84
♣ 10 9 2 ♣ K865
♠ QJ87
♥ A754
♦ AQ3
♣ 43

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♥
pass 4♥ all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.

You started the ♠A against 4♥ and switched to the ♦J. Now came
the ♥K, ♥Q and then a spade to the ♠Q (partner’s spades were ♠3,
♠4).

You win your second trick and it looks as if partner may have a trump trick.
Declarer seems to have started with the ♠QJ, ♥A and ♦AQ. (You can’t be
sure about the ♦Q — if partner has it, it’s no help as you can’t get in to cash
another diamond.)
So assume the ♦AQ is with South; there is not enough room for the
♣K as well. Is there any chance that the club trick can go away? You can’t
be definite about this, but if there is a setting trick, it will have to come from
the ♣K and the ♥J — where else?
Play a club now so that partner can’t be endplayed into leading clubs.

40 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 22 To problem

♠ KJ84
♥ AQ5
♦ K96
♣ K98
♠ Q973 ♠ 10 5
♥ 64 E-W Vul. ♥ K2
♦ J832 Dealer N ♦ A 10 7 5 4
♣ A75 ♣ Q643
♠ A62
♥ J 10 9 8 7 3
♦ Q
♣ J 10 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠ pass 2♠
pass 3NT pass 4♥
all pass

The play in 4♥ has gone this way, so far: the ♦2 to partner’s ♦A and
declarer’s ♦Q, diamond ruffed by South, heart finesse losing. Next, a
club to your ♣A.

Now you have three tricks and where is the fourth? Declarer’s shape is
probably 3-6-1-3. If he has a losing club, it will go away on the ♦K and he
will take the spade finesse. Does he have other options? Maybe there’s a
club finesse as well… If so, his logical line will be to discard a spade on the
♦K and try to ruff out the ♠Q; failing that, he’ll try the club finesse.
Don’t push too hard or declarer may decide you are trying to “lead him
down the garden path” and may simply fall back on the spade finesse. Just
get out a diamond and let him optimize.

The Setting Trick 41

SOLUTION 23 To problem

♠ 4
♥ Q 10 8 5 2
♦ A85
♣ KJ72
♠ A ♠ QJ976532
♥ K974 N-S Vul. ♥ 6
♦ K7 Dealer E ♦ 62
♣ AQ8643 ♣ 95
♠ K 10 8
♥ AJ3
♦ Q J 10 9 4 3
♣ 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

3♠ pass
pass dbl pass 5♦
dbl all pass

After partner has preempted 3♠, you end up defending 5♦. You cash
the ♠A (partner plays the ♠6), then the ♣A.

I don’t think partner has a singleton club — do you? That ♠6 should have
been deliberately chosen, and if so it conveys the message of “no message”.
So it looks as if declarer will get one discard on the ♣K. You just have
to hope that’s not enough, that he has three hearts. You can’t exit in clubs,
that’s a “free finesse”.
Lead a low diamond away from his soon-to-be-late majesty and clutch
on to the ♥K.

42 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 24 To problem

♠ 92
♥ K95
♦ KQ8632
♣ Q6
♠ J873 ♠ AQ6
♥ 7642 N-S Vul. ♥ Q 10 8
♦ A4 Dealer W ♦ 10 9 5
♣ AJ7 ♣ 8542
♠ K 10 5 4
♥ AJ3
♦ J7
♣ K 10 9 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass pass 1♣
pass 1♦ pass 1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.

You are defending 3NT and you played the ♠Q on the opening lead.
Declarer started diamonds, playing the ♦J.

After declarer plays the ♦J and partner the ♦4, the position in that suit is
quite clear. Your task is to direct partner’s attention back to spades: perhaps
only to confirm a suspicion – declarers holding both the ♠A and ♠K usu-
ally win Trick 1 with the ♠A.
The suit-preference cards available are the ♦10 and ♦9, and the ques-
tion is the sequence in which you will play them. I suggest playing the ♦9
first then the ♦10 because we are playing natural count and partner will
notice that the ♦5 is missing, so that the high diamonds are full of mean-
ing. To play the ♦10 first might suggest we had ♦109 doubleton, hence is
the wrong card to use for suit preference. Would declarer have started the
suit with the ♦J holding three of them, and be concealing the ♦5? Some
declarers are tricky.
No problem at all for players who use the Smith echo. This uses the first
follow-suit card played by a defender at notrump to indicate attitude to the
suit partner has led.

The Setting Trick 43

PROBLEM 25 To Solution

You lead the ♣4 to part- ♠ K J 10 3

ner’s ♣A, which fells the ♥ 10 8 2
♣K. Partner continues ♦ KQ63
clubs, declarer ruffing.
♣ J9
You duck the next lead,
♠ 976
a diamond (partner
♥ AQ6 Both Vul.
plays the ♦2), and
♦ A 10 9 Dealer N
declarer plays dummy’s
♥10 and runs it. ♣ Q 10 7 4
Your play.
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass pass 1♥
pass 3♥(!) all pass

PROBLEM 26 To Solution
You lead the ♦2. ♠ K 10 3
Partner plays the ♦Q on ♥ K 10 5 3
dummy’s ♦J and declar- ♦ AJ97
er wins with the ♦K.
♣ 10 7
Next comes the ♥A, a
♠ 4
likely singleton from the
♥ Q642 None Vul.
carding, then the ♠2 to
♦ 10 8 6 2 Dealer S
the ♠10 and partner’s
♠A. ♣ AJ96
Partner switches to
the ♣3, declarer plays WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
the ♣K and your ♣A 1♠
wins. Your ♣J holds the pass 3♠ pass 4♠
next trick, partner fol- all pass
lowing with the ♣2 and
declarer with the ♣4.
What next?

44 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 27 To Solution

You lead the ♥2 and you ♠ KJ98

see that North has been ♥ 974
very conservative. ♦ AK53
Partner wins with the
♣ J7
♥A, dropping the ♥Q,
♠ A652
and continues with the
♥ J832 Both Vul.
♥5 to the ♥K. Declarer
♦ J 10 9 Dealer W
plays the ♣9 to
dummy’s ♣J, which ♣ 42
holds (your ♣4, part-
ner’s ♣6). Partner takes WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
the ♣A on the next club, pass pass pass 1NT1
cashes his ♥10 and puts pass 2♣2 pass 2♦
you on play with the ♥J. pass 2NT all pass
What is your next card?
1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.

PROBLEM 28 To Solution
Partner leads the ♣J, ♠ Q5
which runs to the ♣A. ♥ K 10 8
Declarer leads the ♣6. ♦ Q54
Partner pounces on this ♣ K8753
with the ♠4 and leads ♠ 3
the ♥Q, covered by the ♥ A5
E-W Vul.
♥K, and you win with
Dealer E ♦ J 10 9 6 3
the ♥A.
♣ Q 10 9 4 2
Next card?

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♠
pass 2♣ pass 3♠
pass 4♠ all pass

The Setting Trick 45

SOLUTION 25 To problem

♠ K J 10 3
♥ 10 8 2
♦ KQ63
♣ J9
♠ 976 ♠ Q2
♥ AQ6 Both Vul. ♥ 74
♦ A 10 9 Dealer N ♦ 542
♣ Q 10 7 4 ♣ A86532
♠ A854
♥ KJ953
♦ J87
♣ K

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♥
pass 3♥(!) all pass

The contract is 3♥ and play has gone: the ♣4 to the ♣A, the ♣3
trumped, a diamond to dummy and then the ♥10.

Against 3♥, partner’s shrewd return of a club at Trick 2 has weakened

South’s trumps, and if he has only five, he is in trouble if you can draw
them.
After declarer crosses in diamonds to lead the ♥10, the killing play is to
duck smoothly. When hearts are continued, you can take a third round and
force declarer in clubs. You still have the ♦A for an entry for more club
tricks.

46 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 26 To problem

♠ K 10 3
♥ K 10 5 3
♦ AJ97
♣ 10 7
♠ 4 ♠ A98
♥ Q642 None Vul. ♥ J987
♦ 10 8 6 2 Dealer S ♦ Q
♣ AJ96 ♣ Q8532
♠ QJ7652
♥ A
♦ K543
♣ K4

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠
pass 3♠ pass 4♠
all pass

Defending 4♠, you led the ♦2, and partner’s ♦Q was won by the ♦K.
Then came the ♥A (a likely singleton) and a spade to the ♠10 and
partner’s ♠A. On partner’s switch to the ♣3, South played the ♣K
and you won with the ♣A, then played the ♣J.

If you are right about hearts, the only suit that can provide the setting trick
is diamonds — play partner to have held the ♦Q singleton.
Is this decision assisted by that ♣2 played on the ♣J?

The Setting Trick 47

SOLUTION 27 To problem

♠ KJ98
♥ 974
♦ AK53
♣ J7
♠ A652 ♠ 10 7
♥ J832 Both Vul. ♥ A 10 6 5
♦ J 10 9 Dealer W ♦ Q87
♣ 42 ♣ A653
♠ Q43
♥ KQ
♦ 642
♣ K Q 10 9 8

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♦
pass 2NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.

You led the ♥2 against 2NT, and partner won with the ♥A and
returned a heart. South had started with the ♥KQ. He plays a club
to the ♣J, which wins, and partner takes the ♣A on the next club to
return a heart.

Declarer has three club tricks back at the ranch, but your opening heart lead
has damaged his entry position.
From the auction, he will have only one high card left — a queen. If
this is the ♦Q, there is no defense, but if it is the ♠Q, you control the entry.
So play the ♦J and start to set up your sixth trick.

48 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 28 To problem

♠ Q5
♥ K 10 8
♦ Q54
♣ K8753
♠ 984 ♠ 3
♥ QJ9762 E-W Vul. ♥ A5
♦ A72 Dealer E ♦ J 10 9 6 3
♣ J ♣ Q 10 9 4 2
♠ A K J 10 7 6 2
♥ 43
♦ K8
♣ A6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♠
pass 2♣ pass 3♠
pass 4♠ all pass

Partner led the ♣J against 4♠, declarer winning with the ♣A. He
then played another club. Partner trumped, to lead the ♥Q, covered
by dummy, to your ♥A.

This contract of 4♠ is cold but declarer is making a valiant attempt to go

down. Don’t frustrate him.
Always remember in these situations that partner led for a ruff, not a
promotion. A promotion is impossible on the auction, and returning a club
is futile.
Lead back a heart to cash partner’s ♥J and hope he has the ♦A as well.

The Setting Trick 49

PROBLEM 29 To Solution

You lead the ♣10 to ♠ 542

dummy’s ♣A and part- ♥ QJ4
ner’s ♣3. ♦ KJ6432
A diamond to the
♣ A
♦Q wins the next trick
♠ Q 10 9
and you discard a club
♥ 10 8 Both Vul.
on the next diamond,
♦ 8 Dealer W
which is won by part-
ner’s ♦A. Partner ♣ Q 10 9 8 6 5 4
switches to the ♠6 and
your ♠9 wins. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
Next? pass 1♦ pass 1♥
pass 2♥ pass 3NT
all pass

PROBLEM 30 To Solution

You lead the ♦7 and ♠ KJ

partner wins with the ♥ K542
♦A. Perhaps with a ♦ 9
view to weakening ♣ KQJ876
trumps he returns a dia- ♠ A83
mond, and declarer
♥ Q96 None Vul.
turns out to have the
♦ Q 10 8 7 5 Dealer W
♦K.
♣ 10 5
The next card is a
trump — you win with
the ♠A, and then…? WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass 1♣ pass 1♠
pass 2♣ pass 2♠
pass 3♠ pass 4♠
all pass

50 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 31 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♠ pass 1NT
pass 3NT all pass

PROBLEM 32 To Solution
You lead the ♣5 to the ♠ 43
♣10 and partner’s ♣2. ♥ 10 6 3
Declarer crosses to hand ♦ AQ842
via the ♥A (partner ♣ K Q 10
plays the ♥9) and leads ♠ K 10
the ♦J to your ♦K,
♥QJ52 E-W Vul.
which is allowed to win.
♦K975 Dealer W
You return a club, won
♣J95
in dummy, and declarer
plays three more dia-
monds to your ♦9. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
What next? Partner pass pass pass 1♥
has discarded the ♠5 pass 2♦ pass 2NT1
and ♠2 on the dia- pass 3♥ pass 3NT
monds, and declarer the all pass
♥4, then the ♥8.
1. 15-17 HCP.

The Setting Trick 51

SOLUTION 29 To problem

♠ 542
♥ QJ4
♦ KJ6432
♣ A
♠ Q 10 9 ♠ AKJ6
♥ 10 8 Both Vul. ♥ 9763
♦ 8 Dealer W ♦ A5
♣ Q 10 9 8 6 5 4 ♣ J73
♠ 873
♥ AK52
♦ Q 10 9 7
♣ K2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦ pass 1♥
pass 2♥ pass 3NT
all pass

You led a club to 3NT and discarded a club on the second round of
diamonds, won by partner’s ♦A. Partner switched to the ♠6 and
your ♠9 won.

Declarer appears to have four diamonds and four hearts, so partner must
have some clubs left. Your club discard probably told him that you don’t
hold the ♣K.
Three tricks in hearts will be enough for declarer, and it looks as if part-
ner can see that it’s cash-out time.
Go with his suggestion and continue with the ♠Q.

52 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 30 To problem

♠ KJ
♥ K542
♦ 9
♣ KQJ876
♠ A83 ♠ 75
♥ Q96 None Vul. ♥ A J 10 3
♦ Q 10 8 7 5 Dealer W ♦ AJ432
♣ 10 5 ♣ 93
♠ Q 10 9 6 4 2
♥ 87
♦ K6
♣ A42

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣ pass 1♠
pass 2♣ pass 2♠
pass 3♠ pass 4♠
all pass

You led the ♦7 against 4♠, and partner won with the ♦A and
returned a diamond to South’s ♦K. You won the next card, a trump,
with the ♠A. That’s two tricks.

From the auction, declarer can’t hold both missing aces. If partner has the
♣A, that’s all we are going to get — so play partner for the ♥A and switch
to the ♥6, hoping he has the ♥J as well or that declarer misguesses.
The ♥6 is low enough for partner to play you for the ♥Q. Switching to
the ♥Q is inferior, as declarer might hold the ♥J.

The Setting Trick 53

SOLUTION 31 To problem

♠ K Q J 10 7
♥ AK4
♦ QJ9
♣ Q8
♠ 82 ♠ A953
♥ 865 N-S Vul. ♥ J72
♦ K654 Dealer W ♦ 10 7
♣ A972 ♣ K J 10 4
♠ 64
♥ Q 10 9 3
♦ A832
♣ 653

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♠ pass 1NT
pass 3NT all pass

Partner led the ♦4 against 3NT and the ♦Q in dummy won.

Declarer started on the spades.

Partner can’t hold much, and it will need to be in the right places.
The sensible defense is to hold off on spades and try to find out where
to go. This line will lose if partner started with ♦AKxxx and declarer has
♥Qxxxx (with two spades in the bank, declarer will switch back to hearts
for nine tricks), but there are more distributions that are flatter and where
you need guidance.
Partner will throw the ♦5 on the ♠J and you will know to switch to
clubs.

54 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 32 To problem

♠ 43
♥ 10 6 3
♦ AQ842
♣ K Q 10
♠ K 10 ♠ A87652
♥ QJ52 E-W Vul. ♥ 97
♦ K975 Dealer W ♦ 10 3
♣ J95 ♣ 862
♠ QJ9
♥ AK84
♦ J6
♣ A743

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass pass 1♥
pass 2♦ pass 2NT1
pass 3♥ pass 3NT
all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.

You led the ♣5 against 3NT, dummy’s ♣10 winning. Declarer took
the ♥A and played the ♦J, allowing your ♦K to win. You exited a
club and, after the ♦A and ♦Q, have another trick with the ♦9.

In 3NT, declarer looks to be coming to four clubs, three diamonds and two
hearts, but your futile-seeming attacks on clubs have borne fruit.
If you now get out a heart, you will cut declarer off from dummy —
either the long club or the long diamond must wither on the vine (to
remain in agricultural mode).
Declarer has messed up. After the diamond finesse works, South
should take the 75% chance that the ♠AK are not with West and look there
for the ninth trick. He could also have led a diamond towards his jack at
Trick 2 and preserved those precious heart entries to his hand.

The Setting Trick 55

PROBLEM 33 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
pass 2♦2 pass 2♥
pass 3♦ pass 3NT
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Transfer.

PROBLEM 34 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ 1♠ 2♥
pass 4♥ all pass

56 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 35 To Solution

You start with the ♠A ♠ Q76

and follow with the ♠K, ♥ AK73
partner following with ♦ AQ2
the ♠2 and then the ♠3.
♣ Q95
What next?
♠ AK5
♥ J652 N-S Vul.
♦ 73 Dealer W
♣ J842

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣1 dbl2 pass
2♥ pass pass 3♦
pass 3NT pass 4♦
all pass

1. Precision, 15+ HCP.

2. Majors, 4+/4+.
PROBLEM 36 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 2NT1
pass 3♣2 pass 3NT3
all pass

1. 20-22 HCP.
2. Puppet Stayman.
3. Opener has no four- or five-card major.

The Setting Trick 57

SOLUTION 33 To problem

♠ 10 8
♥ A9765
♦ A7542
♣ A
♠ J4 ♠ A9532
♥ J843 E-W Vul. ♥ Q 10
♦ J 10 Dealer E ♦ 986
♣ KQ865 ♣ J72
♠ KQ76
♥ K2
♦ KQ3
♣ 10 9 4 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
pass 2♦2 pass 2♥
pass 3♦ pass 3NT
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Transfer.

West led the ♣6 against 3NT and dummy’s ♣A won. Declarer played
the ♠10.

There are two good five-card suits in the dummy and declarer, who must
hold at least three diamonds from the auction, is going after neither.
Anyone smell a rat? South is going after Trick 9. You need to pop the
♠A and return the ♣J.

58 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 34 To problem

♠ 64
♥ J62
♦ A K 10
♣ KQ982
♠ KJ ♠ A9752
♥ 10 8 7 3 None Vul. ♥ A
♦ 9764 Dealer N ♦ QJ52
♣ J64 ♣ 753
♠ Q 10 8 3
♥ KQ954
♦ 83
♣ A 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ 1♠ 2♥
pass 4♥ all pass

Partner led the ♠K and then the ♠J against 4♥. You won with the
♠A. “Where is the fourth trick?”

Once you have been sufficiently disciplined to ask the question in this form,
the answer must be “trumps”. You return a spade and partner ruffs with the
♥7 to dislodge the ♥J.
Now even if South discards the ♠Q on a third round of clubs, you can
always promote the ♥10 by leading a spade when you win with the ♥A.

The Setting Trick 59

SOLUTION 35 To problem

♠ Q76
♥ AK73
♦ AQ2
♣ Q95
♠ AK5 ♠ J8432
♥ J652 N-S Vul. ♥ Q 10 9 8
♦ 73 Dealer W ♦ K
♣ J842 ♣ AK6
♠ 10 9
♥ 4
♦ J 10 9 8 6 5 4
♣ 10 7 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣1 dbl2 pass
2♥ pass pass 3♦
pass 3NT pass 4♦
all pass

1. Precision, 15+ HCP.

2. Majors, 4+/4+.

You cashed two top spades against 4♦ (partner played the ♠2 and
♠3, declarer the ♠10 and ♠9) and had to look for a shift.

In practice you led a diamond — declarer decided you weren’t fooling and
dropped the ♦K. He then had discards for two of his clubs and came to ten
tricks.
What were you thinking of? Partner made the switch to clubs as clear
as day — why else such low spades?

60 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 36 To problem

♠ 10 9 3 2
♥ QJ92
♦ 10 4
♣ 754
♠ KJ87 ♠ A64
♥ 10 8 3 N-S Vul. ♥ 765
♦ A762 Dealer E ♦ 93
♣ KJ ♣ 98632
♠ Q5
♥ AK4
♦ KQJ85
♣ A Q 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 2NT1
pass 3♣2 pass 3NT3
all pass

1. 20-22 HCP.
2. Puppet Stayman.
3. Opener has no four- or five-card major.

Partner led the ♠7 against 3NT, and you won with the ♠A.

Since partner cannot hold ♠KQJ, declarer has an honor with that ♠5 and
you have only three tricks in spades. How to build this to the ever-
important five?
Switch! Which switch? If declarer has a long suit, it is likely to be dia-
monds, and he will have to lose what tricks are necessary to bring in the dia-
monds. Switching to clubs can do little harm, and may establish the setting
trick. So the ♣9 it is.
But what about returning partner’s suit, you ask? Partner will realize
when you don’t return a spade (after the fog of irritation clears), that it
wasn’t necessary — you started with three spades, and declarer’s remaining
spade is assailable from West’s side.

The Setting Trick 61

PROBLEM 37 To Solution

After a short auction, ♠ QJ973

partner starts with the ♥ J8
♠5. Declarer puts in the ♦ KJ7
♠9, and you decide cor-
♣ J62
rectly that the ♠5 is
♠ A 10 2
fourth best, and play the
Both Vul. ♥ 3
♠10. Declarer trumps
Dealer E ♦ Q9832
this and starts with a
low diamond. Partner ♣ A Q 10 5
plays the ♦6 and South
evidently misguesses, WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
playing the ♦J to your 1♦ 4♥
♦Q. all pass
How do you con-
tinue?

PROBLEM 38 To Solution

Partner’s ♠J is won in ♠ KQ
dummy and a low heart ♥ 743
is led. An ever alert ♦ AK964
defender, you ask your-
♣ AQ2
self,“What is going on?”.
♠ 843
How will you
Both Vul. ♥ AJ652
defend?
Dealer W ♦ Q8
♣ 864

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦ pass 1NT
pass 3NT all pass

62 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 39 To Solution

You lead the ♠3 and the ♠ 5

best partner can do is ♥ Q 10 8 7
the ♠8, which is won ♦ Q763
with the ♠Q. Declarer
♣ Q942
leads a low heart.
♠ KJ3
Can you find a way
♥ K4
to come to four tricks? Both Vul.
♦ K 10 9 4 Dealer N
♣ 8763

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♣
pass 1♦ 1♠ dbl
3♠ dbl pass 4♥
all pass

PROBLEM 40 To Solution
You start with the ♥A ♠ QJ542
and partner plays the ♥ QJ9
♥3.
♦ AQ
How are you going
♣ K96
to defend?
♠ 97
♥ A K 10 5 2 E-W Vul.
♦ J 10 3 Dealer S
♣ Q52

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠
pass 3NT1 pass 4♠
all pass

1. Flat raise to game.

The Setting Trick 63

SOLUTION 37 To problem

♠ QJ973
♥ J8
♦ KJ7
♣ J62
♠ K8654 ♠ A 10 2
♥ 62 Both Vul. ♥ 3
♦ A 10 6 Dealer E ♦ Q9832
♣ 873 ♣ A Q 10 5
♠ —
♥ A K Q 10 9 7 5 4
♦ 54
♣ K94

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ 4♥
all pass

After you opened 1♦, South jumped to 4♥. Partner led the ♠5 to the
♠9 and your ♠10, trumped by declarer. Declarer then played the ♦5
to the ♦J and your ♦Q.

Partner did very well to stay away from the ♦A on the lead, and South’s void
in spades is a helpful clue. Most likely he has two diamonds, and if he has
three clubs you need to set up the setting trick in that suit before the ♦K
provides a discard.
The winning play is the ♣Q, establishing a tenace over dummy’s ♣J.
When partner wins his ♦A he will return a club for a total of four tricks.
“What!” you exclaim, “You used that theme earlier!” So I did (Problem
8). But that’s the point — these situations do turn up every now and then.
Did you get it right the second time?

64 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 38 To problem

♠ KQ
♥ 743
♦ AK964
♣ AQ2
♠ A J 10 9 6 ♠ 843
♥ Q8 Both Vul. ♥ AJ652
♦ J 10 5 3 Dealer W ♦ Q8
♣ 10 7 ♣ 864
♠ 752
♥ K 10 9
♦ 72
♣ KJ953

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦ pass 1NT
pass 3NT all pass

Partner led the ♠J against 3NT. Next comes a low heart.

This one’s a bit easy, isn’t it — as long as you asked that question. One suit
declarer doesn’t hold is hearts, so what is he doing? Answer: going after
Trick 9.
You must pop the ♥A and return a spade.

The Setting Trick 65

SOLUTION 39 To problem

♠ 5
♥ Q 10 8 7
♦ Q763
♣ Q942
♠ KJ3 ♠ 10 9 8 6 4 2
♥ K4 Both Vul. ♥ J52
♦ K 10 9 4 Dealer N ♦ AJ52
♣ 8763 ♣ —
♠ AQ7
♥ A963
♦ 8
♣ A K J 10 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♣
pass 1♦ 1♠ dbl
3♠ dbl pass 4♥
all pass

Your ♠3 lead against 4♥ ran to the ♠Q. You rise with the ♥K on a
low heart and stop to consider.

Partner hasn’t got much to be bidding with such a scruffy suit. What can
he have?
You’ve got it! A void in clubs. Play the ♣3 for the ruff and partner will
know to underlead his ♦A for a second ruff.
Declarer goofed — but they sometimes do.

66 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 40 To problem

♠ QJ542
♥ QJ9
♦ AQ
♣ K96
♠ 97 ♠ 6
♥ A K 10 5 2 E-W Vul. ♥ 843
♦ J 10 3 Dealer S ♦ 87642
♣ Q52 ♣ A 10 7 3
♠ A K 10 8 3
♥ 76
♦ K95
♣ J84

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠
pass 3NT1 pass 4♠
all pass

1. Flat raise to game.

You led the ♥A against 4♠ and partner played the ♥3, so will have
three.

In this likely layout, the best line is to go passive – leading clubs gives away
the hand. Perhaps we switch to a diamond now, then when declarer draws
trumps and leads a heart, win with the ♥K and exit a heart.
East in turn should avoid signaling for a club, maybe playing the ♥3,
then the ♥8. Such subtle signals can occasionally make all the difference.
This general plan for the defense is not foolproof, I admit, but seems to
be going with the odds.

The Setting Trick 67

PROBLEM 41 To Solution

You lead the ♣10, which ♠ A4

goes to the ♣2, ♣J, and ♥ A 10 4 2
♣A. Declarer next plays ♦ 4
the ♥K, then the ♥J to
♣ Q96542
the ♥A, and discards the
♠ Q 10 7 2
♣3 on the ♥10, which
♥ Q7
you trump. None Vul.
What next? ♦ A Q 10 8 3 2 Dealer S
♣ 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠
2♦ dbl 3♦ 4♠
all pass

PROBLEM 42 To Solution

Partner, well trained, ♠ AK62

starts the ♥6. How are ♥ 75
you going to defend? ♦ AQJ75
♣ Q7
♠ Q 10 7 5
N-S Vul. ♥ A K Q 10 4
Dealer N ♦ —
♣ J943

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ dbl 1NT
pass 2♠ pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

68 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 43 To Solution

You start the ♠6 to the ♠ Q 10 9 7 4 2

♠10, ♠J, and ♠A. A ♥ K 10 5 4
trump is returned and ♦ 84
you win with the ♠K.
♣ 6
Uncertain, you play a
♠ K86
third round, partner
♥ J82
discarding the ♣2 and N-S Vul.
declarer the ♣3. Now ♦ A653 Dealer S
comes a diamond to ♣ Q74
partner’s ♦2 and declar-
er’s ♦J, which you duck. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
You win the ♦K with 1NT1
your ace, on which part- pass 2♥2 pass 2♠
ner throws the ♦10. pass 3♥ pass 3NT
What next? pass 4♠ all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.
2. Transfer.

PROBLEM 44 To Solution

You start the ♣2 to the ♠ A983

♣K and partner’s ♣A. ♥ K Q J 10 6
Partner cashes the ♣Q
♦ 42
and switches to the ♦K.
♣ K3
This looks like
♠ J7
money for jam — how
♥ 87
are you going to defend? Both Vul.
♦ AQ9752 Dealer W
♣ J72

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2♦1 dbl pass 3♠
pass 4♠ all pass

1. Weak, six-card suit.

The Setting Trick 69

SOLUTION 41 To problem

♠ A4
♥ A 10 4 2
♦ 4
♣ Q96542
♠ Q 10 7 2 ♠ 6
♥ Q7 None Vul. ♥ 98653
♦ A Q 10 8 3 2 Dealer S ♦ J75
♣ 10 ♣ KJ87
♠ KJ9853
♥ KJ
♦ K96
♣ A3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠
2♦ dbl 3♦ 4♠
all pass

You led the ♣10 against 4♠, dummy played low, partner contributed
the ♣J and declarer won with the ♣A. Next came the ♥K, the ♥J to
the ♥A, and the ♥10 which you trumped after the ♣3 was discarded
by declarer.

You already have one trick and can see two more. Where is the fourth?
Declarer has no more hearts and quite likely no more clubs.
Consequently your setting tricks have to come from diamonds.
Return a trump, giving up the winning ♠Q but eventually coming to
three tricks in diamonds.

70 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 42 To problem

♠ AK62
♥ 75
♦ AQJ75
♣ Q7
♠ J83 ♠ Q 10 7 5
♥ 62 N-S Vul. ♥ A K Q 10 4
♦ 10 9 8 4 2 Dealer N ♦ —
♣ A52 ♣ J943
♠ 94
♥ J983
♦ K63
♣ K 10 8 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ dbl 1NT
pass 2♠ pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

Partner led the ♥6 against 3NT.

You need five tricks. You must duck this first heart, and play partner to have
a fairly fast entry. He will know to continue hearts.
Do you play the ♥10 or the ♥4? Does your partner agree?

The Setting Trick 71

SOLUTION 43 To problem

♠ Q 10 9 7 4 2
♥ K 10 5 4
♦ 84
♣ 6
♠ K86 ♠ J5
♥ J82 N-S Vul. ♥ AQ9
♦ A653 Dealer S ♦ 10 7 2
♣ Q74 ♣ J 10 9 8 2
♠ A3
♥ 763
♦ KQJ9
♣ AK53

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 2♥2 pass 2♠
pass 3♥ pass 3NT
pass 4♠ all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.
2. Transfer.

You led a trump against 4♠, won Trick 2 with the ♠K and (strange-
ly, perhaps) led another spade. Next came a diamond to the ♦J, then
the ♦K which you won with the ♦A, partner following with the ♦2,
then ♦10.

You have seen about half of declarer’s points and you have the hand pattern
— 2-3-4-4. Think back to the diamonds. Partner’s ♦10 must mean some-
thing, in particular that declarer has the ♦Q9 or ♦Q7 to come, and maybe
dummy’s hearts can get away.
It’s time for a switch to hearts.

72 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 44 To problem

♠ A983
♥ K Q J 10 6
♦ 43
♣ K3
♠ J7 ♠ 10 5 4
♥ 87 Both Vul. ♥ 9532
♦ AQ9752 Dealer W ♦ K
♣ J72 ♣ AQ984
♠ KQ62
♥ A4
♦ J 10 8 6
♣ 10 6 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2♦1 dbl pass 3♠
pass 4♠ all pass

1. Weak, six-card suit.

You led the ♣2 against 4♠, trapping dummy’s ♣K. Partner took two
tricks with the ♣AQ and played the ♦K.

This one is too easy — as easy as 2 + 2 = 4. Overtake the ♦K to cash

the ♦Q, or three diamonds will go away on the hearts. Then you can play
a third round of diamonds to see if your side can manufacture a trump
trick from thin air.

The Setting Trick 73

PROBLEM 45 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣ pass 1♥
pass 1♠ pass 2♦
pass 3♣ pass 3NT
all pass

PROBLEM 46 To Solution
You cash the ♦A, part- ♠ A K 10 7
ner contributing the ♦7 ♥ KQJ9764
(likely count). How do ♦ 2
you plan to defend? ♣ A
♠ 8
♥ 10 8 5 2 Both Vul.
♦ AJ986 Dealer W
♣ 543

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣1 pass 1♥2
pass 2♥ pass 3♣
pass 3♠ pass 4♥
pass 4NT pass 5♦3
pass 6♥ all pass

1. Strong, any shape.

2. Three controls: ace and king, or three kings.
3. One ace.

74 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 47 To Solution

Partner leads the ♠Q, ♠ 32

taken by South’s ♠A. ♥ AK8632
The auction has trans- ♦ AQ
ferred the contract to
♣ AQ6
the short hand.
♠ KJ75
You will see after-
N-S Vul. ♥ J 10 9
wards that this was a
disadvantage to the Dealer N ♦ K 10 6 3
declaring side — if part- ♣ 95
ner had had the wit to
select a diamond at WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
Trick 1, +100 would be 1♣ 1 1♦ 2 1♥3
secure. As it is, you now pass 2♥ pass 3♥
face a declarer who is pass 6♥ all pass
probably the best player
in the event. 1. Strong, any shape.
Declarer plays the 2. Spades and another.
♥A, then ♥K, partner 3. Three controls: one ace and one king, or three kings.
discarding the ♦5. Next
comes a low spade — how are you going to defend this hand?

PROBLEM 48 To Solution
Partner leads the ♥6 to ♠ J 10 6 4
the ♥K, your ♥A and ♥ K5
declarer’s ♥4. Declarer ♦ 82
takes your ♥J with the ♣ A9732
♥Q, partner playing the
♠ A53
♥3. Now comes the
None Vul. ♥ A J 10
♣Q, allowed to win, and
the ♣J, which you have Dealer S ♦ 9653
to win. Partner has play- ♣ K84
ed the ♣10, then the ♣6.
When you cash the WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
♥10, declarer follows 1♦
with the ♥8 and partner pass 1♠ pass 1NT1
plays the ♥2. He must pass 3NT all pass
have started hearts from
four small. 1. 15-17 HCP.
What next?

The Setting Trick 75

SOLUTION 45 To problem

♠ KQJ2
♥ 92
♦ 6
♣ AK6532
♠ 9763 ♠ A854
♥ J875 Both Vul. ♥ 43
♦ K854 Dealer W ♦ AQ9
♣ 7 ♣ J984
♠ 10
♥ A K Q 10 6
♦ J 10 7 3 2
♣ Q 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣ pass 1♥
pass 1♠ pass 2♦
pass 3♣ pass 3NT
all pass

Partner led the ♠7 against 3NT, consistent with a weak four-card

holding.

In any case, it cannot help to win the first trick, as no switch is appealing.
Even if South holds the ♠10 singleton, he may be unable to develop tricks
in spades for lack of entries.
Play low and let him get on with it.

76 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 46 To problem

♠ A K 10 7
♥ KQJ9764
♦ 2
♣ A
♠ 8 ♠ QJ543
♥ 10 8 5 2 Both Vul. ♥ 3
♦ AJ986 Dealer W ♦ K 10 7
♣ 543 ♣ J972
♠ 962
♥ A
♦ Q543
♣ K Q 10 8 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♣1 pass 1♥2
pass 2♥ pass 3♣
pass 3♠ pass 4♥
pass 4NT pass 5♦3
pass 6♥ all pass

1. Strong, any shape.

2. Three controls: ace and king or three kings.
3. One ace.

You led the ♦A against 6♥ and it holds Trick 1.

The risk is that dummy’s losing spades can go away unless you can remove
South’s entry. Declarer has the ♥A, but who has the ♥3?
You must play for the ♥A to be singleton and lead one at once.

The Setting Trick 77

SOLUTION 47 To problem

♠ 32
♥ AK8632
♦ AQ
♣ AQ6
♠ Q 10 6 ♠ KJ75
♥ 7 N-S Vul. ♥ J 10 9
♦ 87542 Dealer N ♦ K 10 6 3
♣ J873 ♣ 95
♠ A984
♥ Q54
♦ J9
♣ K 10 4 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣1 1♦2 1♥3
pass 2♥ pass 3♥
pass 6♥ all pass

1. Strong, any shape.

2. Spades and another.
3. Three controls: one ace and one king, or three kings.

Partner leads the ♠Q against 6♥ to declarer’s ♠A. The ♥A and ♥K

follow, partner playing the ♦5. Then the ♠3 is led from dummy.

It is critical that you don’t win this trick — partner can’t have four spades
and the threat of a spade-diamond squeeze is a very real one. If you win,
you probably exit a club. Declarer will win in dummy, play to the ♥Q, ruff
a spade and return in clubs. When your meager holding in clubs is revealed
(you are known to have two), declarer will finish the hearts, discarding a
club and a diamond from his hand:
♦ AQ
♣ 6

♠ J
♦ K 10

♠ 9
♦ J
♣ K
78 The Setting Trick
When he leads the club to the ♣K, you are a gone goose.
This is poultry of a different style. You must duck declarer’s spade lead
from dummy, and play partner for having made a funny lead from
♠Q10(x). Now a diamond through kills the squeeze. In fact, partner has
done well — a low spade lead to the ♠K would be allowed to hold, after
which the squeeze can be set up quite comfortably.

SOLUTION 48 To problem

♠ J 10 6 4
♥ K5
♦ 82
♣ A9732
♠ 9872 ♠ A53
♥ 7632 None Vul. ♥ A J 10
♦ KJ7 Dealer S ♦ 9653
♣ 10 6 ♣ K84
♠ KQ
♥ Q984
♦ A Q 10 4
♣ QJ5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦
pass 1♠ pass 1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.

Partner led the ♥6 against 3NT. You took dummy’s ♥K with the ♥A
and continued with the ♥J to the ♥Q from South (partner played the
♥3). You took the second round of clubs and cashed the ♥10, part-
ner following with the ♥2.

You are going to make four tricks in your own hand, so partner has to con-
tribute one more. He can’t have much — where are his high cards?
If you have been paying attention, you have an answer — in diamonds.
Partner had frugally retained the ♥2 for signaling.

The Setting Trick 79

PROBLEM 49 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ 1♠ 2♣ 4♥
5♣ 5♥ all pass

PROBLEM 50 To Solution

You cash the ♦A and ♠ J 10 9 5 4

the ♦K, partner playing
♥ AJ84
the ♦6 and the ♦4.
♦ 72
Declarer follows with
♣ J9
the ♦J, then the ♦9.
What next? ♠ 3
♥ 63 E-W Vul.
♦ AK853 Dealer S
♣ A 10 7 4 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥
2NT1 4♥ all pass

1. Minors.

80 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 51 To Solution

PROBLEM 52 To Solution

You lead the ♦3 and ♠ 10 9 3

declarer plays dummy’s ♥ K854
♦Q. He draws trumps ♦ AQ
with the ♥A and ♥K,
♣ J952
partner following with
♠ J652
the ♥6 and ♥3. He then
♥ J7 Both Vul.
leads a club (♣2, ♣4,
♦ KJ632 Dealer W
♣8) and you win with
the ♣Q. ♣ AQ
What is your plan?
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1♦ pass 2♦ 2♥
pass 4♥ all pass

The Setting Trick 81

SOLUTION 49 To problem

♠ K 10 7 5 2
♥ Q96
♦ AJ54
♣ Q
♠ A63 ♠ 98
♥ — None Vul. ♥ 10 3 2
♦ K62 Dealer W ♦ Q873
♣ K J 10 9 7 5 2 ♣ A843
♠ QJ4
♥ AKJ8754
♦ 10 9
♣ 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ 1♠ 2♣ 4♥
5♣ 5♥ all pass

Defending 5♥, you won Trick 1 with the ♣A.

That spade suit looks ominous, but if declarer has an inescapable loser in
spades, you need to have set up a cashing diamond.
So the ♦3 it is. Partner’s ♦K removes the ♦A and you come to the ♦Q
and partner’s ♠A.

82 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 50 To problem

♠ J 10 9 5 4
♥ AJ84
♦ 72
♣ J9
♠ 3 ♠ Q86
♥ 63 E-W Vul. ♥ 97
♦ AK853 Dealer S ♦ Q 10 6 4
♣ A 10 7 4 2 ♣ K865
♠ AK72
♥ K Q 10 5 2
♦ J9
♣ Q3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥
2NT1 4♥ all pass

1. Minors.

Your two top diamonds cashed against 4♥ and you continue… how?

You have two tricks and can see another. The setting trick will have to come
from partner’s hand. If it is in hearts or spades, well and good. If it is the
♣K, however, it can go away on the spades. So the ♣A it is — never mind
about setting up the ♣K.
Partner will signal attitude to this switch. If he doesn’t like clubs, per-
haps declarer is false-carding in diamonds.

The Setting Trick 83

SOLUTION 51 To problem

♠ Q84
♥ Q 10 5 2
♦ AQJ53
♣ J
♠ J6 ♠ K 10 9 3
♥ 8643 E-W Vul. ♥ J7
♦ 92 Dealer E ♦ K 10 7 6
♣ KQ987 ♣ 654
♠ A752
♥ AK9
♦ 84
♣ A 10 3 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♠
pass 3NT all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.
2. Stayman.

Against 3NT, the play has been the ♣K, winning, the ♥6 to the ♥J,
the ♥A, then the ♦8 to the ♦J and your ♦K. Your ♣6 goes to part-
ner’s ♣7 and dummy’s ♠4. Partner switches to the ♠6; dummy plays
the ♠Q and your ♠K is allowed to win.

Think about declarer’s points — ♠A, ♥A, ♥K, ♣A — and that’s all! No ♠J?
Count four tricks in hearts, two in diamonds, two black aces and, with the
♠J, nine tricks.
Declarer has ducked to rectify the count — very shortly you will be try-
ing to find discards on dummy’s last two hearts. You must return a spade
to break up the squeeze.
In retrospect, your partner’s spade switch was brilliant. If he simply
gets out another heart, declarer will win in hand and duck a diamond to
establish his ninth trick — that is why you should have ducked the ♦J.

84 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 52 To problem

♠ 10 9 3
♥ K854
♦ AQ
♣ J952
♠ J652 ♠ AQ8
♥ J7 Both Vul. ♥ 63
♦ KJ632 Dealer W ♦ 9854
♣ AQ ♣ 7643
♠ K74
♥ A Q 10 9 2
♦ 10 7
♣ K 10 8

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ pass 2♦ 2♥
pass 4♥ all pass

You led the ♦3 against 4♥ and dummy’s ♦Q won. The ♥A and ♥K

followed, then the ♣2 to South’s ♣8 and your ♣Q.

You need two more tricks to beat 4♥, and the source should be quite clear
— unless declarer is playing a very deep game, the only suit left is spades.
Summon up your courage and break them; play the ♠2.
This deal occurred in the final of one of the early contests for the
Bermuda Bowl, in 1955 (Deal 52).
Milton Ellenby, playing for the USA against Europe, cashed the ♣A and
declarer’s third spade went away on a club. The auction in the other room
was 1♠ – pass – 2♠, a triumph for four-card majors!

The Setting Trick 85

PROBLEM 53 To Solution

Naturally, you lead the ♠ A6

♣Q, partner following ♥ KJ3
with the ♣6. Declarer ♦ J98432
wins with the ♣A and
♣ 32
plays the ♥6. Plan your
♠ J 10 9
defense (some detail
♥ A872 E-W Vul.
required).
♦ K Dealer W
♣ Q J 10 9 4

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass pass 1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 15-18 HCP.

PROBLEM 54 To Solution

You lead the ♣4 and the ♠ 10 9 6

♣Q wins the trick; part- ♥ KQ96
ner’s card is the ♣6, dis- ♦ 87
couraging. Declarer
♣ QJ32
plays the ♦7 to the ♦K,
♠ AJ87
then the ♦Q. Partner
♥ AJ4 Both Vul.
wins with the ♦A and
returns the ♣10, won by ♦ 92 Dealer N
declarer’s ♣A. ♣ K954
Next comes the ♥5.
How will you defend? WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass pass 3♦
all pass

86 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 55 To Solution

Partner, bless him, leads ♠ QJ54

the ♥6. Plan your ♥ QJ
defense. ♦ 92
♣ Q 10 9 7 4
♠ A96
E-W Vul. ♥ K 10 9 8 4
Dealer S ♦ J5
♣ A65

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦
pass 1♠ pass 1NT1
all pass

1. 11-14 HCP.

PROBLEM 56 To Solution
Dummy’s far from ♠ K 10 5
sparkling holding sug- ♥ J 10 9 7 6 3
gests that this may not ♦ 86
be a popular contract.
♣ Q2
All the more reason to
♠ A762
defeat it.
E-W Vul. ♥ AQ2
Partner gets off to
the ♥4 lead, which we Dealer S ♦ Q7
win with the ♥A. ♣ 9873
Assuming the lead
is from a doubleton (so WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
that the ♥Q is a trick), 1NT1
where is our fourth pass 2♦2 pass 2♥
trick? pass 3♥ pass 4♥
all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.
2. Transfer.

The Setting Trick 87

SOLUTION 53 To problem

♠ A6
♥ KJ3
♦ J98432
♣ 32
♠ J 10 9 ♠ KQ532
♥ A872 E-W Vul. ♥ 94
♦ K Dealer W ♦ 10 7 5
♣ Q J 10 9 4 ♣ 876
♠ 874
♥ Q 10 6 5
♦ AQ6
♣ AK5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass pass 1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 15-18 HCP.

You lead the ♣Q , partner playing the ♣6. Declarer wins the trick
with the ♣A, so very likely has the ♣K. Declarer now plays the ♥6.

This is a classic situation in notrump: declarer, with a long suit ripe for
development, has attacked another suit. It is clouded by the fact that you
have the ♦K singleton. “If I rise with the ♥A,” you might argue, “I am
announcing that I have a second entry and declarer may drop the ♦K.”
Pause to count declarer’s tricks. Two clubs (we think) and a spade, and
five diamonds can probably be developed for only one loser. That makes
eight — if you let a heart through, that’s nine.
So you must rise with the ♥A and continue clubs. Declarer will likely
duck, and now you must switch, else declarer will drop the ♦K. Partner will
be silently screaming for a spade, following to the clubs with the ♣6 then
the ♣8. It will probably help if the defense can contrive to suggest that the
♠J is doubleton. When the ♠J is ducked, an alert partner will overtake to
drive out the ♠A. Maybe you won’t beat 3NT if Zia is playing it, but after
taking the ♠A most declarers will finesse in diamonds.

88 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 54 To problem

♠ 10 9 6
♥ KQ96
♦ 87
♣ QJ32
♠ AJ87 ♠ KQ2
♥ AJ4 Both Vul. ♥ 10 8 7 3 2
♦ 92 Dealer N ♦ A 10
♣ K954 ♣ 10 8 6
♠ 543
♥ 5
♦ KQJ6543
♣ A7

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 3♦
all pass

South is declaring 3♦. He won Trick 1 with the ♣Q and drove out
the ♦A. Partner returned the ♣10 to the ♣A, and declarer continued
with the ♥5.

Have you been counting declarer’s tricks?

From the fall of partner’s ♦10 it looks like declarer had seven dia-
monds. Six diamonds plus two clubs equals eight. If declarer has more
than one heart he will make nine tricks.
You must go up with the ♥A. With dummy dead, you assume, you can
cash out black suits in almost any order, though it will be best to start with
a low spade to partner’s dead-certain ♠K in case declarer has an unlikely
♠Q.

The Setting Trick 89

SOLUTION 55 To problem

♠ QJ54
♥ QJ
♦ 92
♣ Q 10 9 7 4
♠ K 10 3 2 ♠ A96
♥ 762 E-W Vul. ♥ K 10 9 8 4
♦ K Q 10 3 Dealer S ♦ J5
♣ 83 ♣ A65
♠ 87
♥ A53
♦ A8764
♣ KJ2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦
pass 1♠ pass 1NT1
all pass

1. 11-14 HCP.

Against 1NT, partner, presumably with cards in diamonds and

spades, found a short-suit lead, the ♥6.

This is your chance to shine: duck the ♥Q, encouraging with the ♥10. This
denies dummy an entry in case clubs are declarer’s source of tricks.
After you duck twice in clubs, aided by partner’s length signal, partner
will need to rise with the ♠K on a spade lead and continue hearts.

90 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 56 To problem

♠ K 10 5
♥ J 10 9 7 6 3
♦ 86
♣ Q2
♠ J93 ♠ A762
♥ 54 E-W Vul. ♥ AQ2
♦ A 10 9 3 2 Dealer S ♦ Q7
♣ 654 ♣ 9873
♠ Q84
♥ K8
♦ KJ54
♣ A K J 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 2♦2 pass 2♥
pass 3♥ pass 4♥
all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.
2. Transfer.

The contract is 4♥ and a low trump was led, to our ♥A.

Our ♠A looks fairly secure, although if South has five clubs, we may be in
trouble. We need to build the setting trick in a minor, but which one?
There are no guarantees, but if partner has a minor-suit ace, then if it
is in diamonds, it can be lost if declarer has strong clubs, as in the above lay-
out. The same is not true if partner has the ♣A — the club ace cannot run
away on declarer’s diamonds, because we can ruff the third round of dia-
monds and belatedly cash a club.
So a diamond switch is indicated here.

The Setting Trick 91

PROBLEM 57 To Solution

You start with the ♥9, ♠ KJ6

partner following with ♥ K J 10
the ♥2. Declarer wins ♦ K542
in dummy, and plays
♣ 10 9 4
the ♠K, partner follow-
♠ A3
ing with the ♠5, sug-
♥ 9876 None Vul.
gesting four.
♦ Q J 10 Dealer S
You win with the
♠A and try the ♦Q. ♣ A752
This wins, partner fol-
lowing with the ♦3. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
What is your next card? 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♠
pass 2NT3 pass 3NT
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.
3. Invitational, not necessarily four hearts.
PROBLEM 58 To Solution

You lead the ♦10 to the ♠ K95

♦J and ♦A. Declarer ♥ A84
trumps a diamond, ♦ 5
partner following with ♣ AJ7532
the ♦Q. Next come the
♠ A43
♣A (♣6, ♣10) and a
♥ K N-S Vul.
club to partner’s ♣4 and
♦ K 10 9 8 4 2 Dealer N
declarer’s ♣K.
Declarer trumps ♣ Q98
another diamond with
the ♥A, trumps a club, WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
and trumps his last dia- 1♣ pass 1♥
mond with the ♥8. 2♦ 2♥ pass 3♥
Partner overruffs pass 4♥ all pass
with the ♥J and returns
a heart to your king.
Now what?

92 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 59 To Solution

1. 20-22 HCP.
2. Puppet Stayman.
3. Opener has no four or five-card major.
PROBLEM 60 To Solution
You lead the ♦5 to the ♠ K764
♦J and ♦A. Declarer ♥ AJ63
now plays the ♠J. ♦ 9
What do you think ♣ J943
about that? Do you ♠ A932
think about that?
♥ 742 None Vul.
♦ 10 8 7 5 3 Dealer S
♣ 7

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2NT1
pass 3♣2 pass 3NT3
all pass

1. 20-22 HCP.
2. Puppet Stayman.
3. Opener has no four- or five-card major.

The Setting Trick 93

SOLUTION 57 To problem

♠ KJ6
♥ K J 10
♦ K542
♣ 10 9 4
♠ A3 ♠ 9752
♥ 9876 None Vul. ♥ 432
♦ Q J 10 Dealer S ♦ 83
♣ A752 ♣ KJ63
♠ Q 10 8 4
♥ AQ5
♦ A976
♣ Q8

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♠
pass 2NT3 pass 3NT
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.
3. Invitational, not necessarily four hearts.

You led the ♥9 against 3NT. This was won in dummy. Then followed
the ♠K, which you won. Your ♦Q held the next trick, partner play-
ing the ♦3.

Let’s count tricks. Declarer looks to have at most three in spades and three
in hearts at this stage. As for our tricks, if partner has the ♦A, then we have
an easy set — three diamonds and two aces.
But declarer may be fooling us and be ready to pounce on the next dia-
mond and take Tricks 7, 8 and 9 in diamonds.
You should switch to a low club. If partner has the ♦A, it will keep —
if clubs don’t work out, we will have time to switch back to diamonds when
in with the ♣A. But if declarer has the ♦A, then… fourth suit lucky.

94 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 58 To problem

♠ K95
♥ A84
♦ 5
♣ AJ7532
♠ A43 ♠ Q 10 8 7 2
♥ K N-S Vul. ♥ J532
♦ K 10 9 8 4 2 Dealer N ♦ QJ
♣ Q98 ♣ 64
♠ J6
♥ Q 10 9 7 6
♦ A763
♣ K 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ pass 1♥
2♦ 2♥ pass 3♥
pass 4♥ all pass

You led the ♦10 against 4♥, to partner’s ♦J and declarer’s ♦A.
Declarer set about trumping diamonds, the first low, then the ♣A,
♣K and a third diamond trumped with the ♥A. Next a club,
trumped in the South hand, and another diamond to the ♥8.
Partner overruffed with the ♥J and led a heart to your ♥K.

Whew! If you have followed all that, declarer is down to four trumps and
a lone spade if he began with six hearts (in which case there is nothing to
be done). But if he started with five trumps, partner has two left; declarer
can be forced and will lose control.
Just continue a diamond.
Declarer had only five trumps and you make the setting trick at
Trick 13. Depending on South’s play, this could come by East trumping
dummy’s ♠K. Not usually managed when he started with five spades!

The Setting Trick 95

SOLUTION 59 To problem

♠ 10 9 3 2
♥ QJ92
♦ 10 4
♣ 754
♠ QJ87 ♠ A64
♥ 10 8 3 N-S Vul. ♥ 765
♦ A765 Dealer E ♦ 93
♣ A 10 ♣ 98632
♠ K5
♥ AK4
♦ KQJ82
♣ KQJ

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 2NT1
pass 3♣2 pass 3NT3
all pass

1. 20-22 HCP.
2. Puppet Stayman.
3. Opener has no four or five-card major.

You led the ♠7 against 3NT; partner won the ♠A and switched to the
♣9 and declarer’s ♣K. What do you do?

What is partner up to? The ♣9 is hardly encouraging in clubs — declarer

probably therefore has ♣KQJ.
The only possible explanation is that partner had three spades and
knows that you will know that declarer’s honor is now bare. Knowing that
spades can be continued safely from your side, he is catering for the need to
set up a trick in clubs to go with your assumed red-suit winner and your
two spades.
You can win with the ♣A and return the ♠8.

96 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 60 To problem

♠ K764
♥ AJ63
♦ 9
♣ J943
♠ A932 ♠ 10 8 5
♥ 742 None Vul. ♥ Q 10 9
♦ 10 8 7 5 3 Dealer S ♦ QJ62
♣ 7 ♣ Q 10 2
♠ QJ
♥ K85
♦ AK4
♣ AK865

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2NT1
pass 3♣2 pass 3NT3
all pass

1. 20-22 HCP.
2. Puppet Stayman.
3. Opener has no four- or five-card major.

You led the ♦5 against 3NT, partner playing the ♦J and declarer the
♦A. Now you see the ♠J.

Declarer in notrump is tackling a suit in which he does not have length.

This should give rise to suspicion. If you thought hard enough to
become suspicious, perhaps you go up with the ♠A and continue dia-
monds. If you let declarer score a spade trick, he will quickly shift to clubs
and it will be curtains for the defense.
Yes, in theory South can play clubs for five tricks, but only a declarer
with the hand records will do so!

The Setting Trick 97

PROBLEM 61 To Solution

You lead the ♣J to part- ♠ Q

ner’s ♣A. Back comes ♥ Q J 10 6
the ♠5 to your ♠A. You ♦ 652
go passive and play the
♣ Q8743
♥7, won by South’s ♥A
♠A73
(partner playing the
♥8743 None Vul.
♥2).
Dealer E
Next comes the ♦ A 10
♥K, then the ♣K (part- ♣ J 10 9 2
ner’s ♠4), ♣Q (partner’s
♦3), then two more WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
hearts (partner’s ♠6, pass 1♦
declarer’s ♠8, ♦8). Next pass 1♥ pass 1♠
comes a diamond to pass 2♦ pass 2NT
declarer’s jack and you pass 3NT all pass
win with the ♦A.
You have three
tricks and are looking at a fourth. Where is the fifth trick coming from?

PROBLEM 62 To Solution
You lead the ♣8 and, lo ♠ KJ4
and behold, partner ♥ KJ96
wins the ♣J with the ♦ 62
♣A. He switches to the ♣ KQJ4
♦J, which you prudent- ♠ —
ly overtake, and then
♥ AQ73 Both Vul.
you cash the ♦A, part-
♦ A Q 10 9 7 5 4 Dealer W
ner discarding a club.
♣ 86
What next?

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ dbl pass 4♠
all pass

98 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 63 To Solution

You lead the ♠9 ♠ K4

through that surprising ♥ J8743
♠K and partner clears ♦ J8
spades with the ♠Q,
♣ Q863
♠A, and ♠3. Declarer
♠ 9
wins with the ♠J and
♥ Q652 Both Vul.
advances the ♦3.
♦ A97642 Dealer W
How are you going
to defend? ♣ J 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 3♠ 3NT
all pass

PROBLEM 64 To Solution
You lead the ♦A, which ♠ 85
holds, partner playing ♥ AJ854
the ♦3. What is your ♦ Q 10 8 6
next card?
♣ 32
♠ J
♥ 10 3 E-W Vul.
♦ AKJ752 Dealer N
♣ KQ96

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♠
2♦ dbl pass 3♠
pass 3NT pass 4♠
all pass

The Setting Trick 99

SOLUTION 61 To problem

♠ Q
♥ Q J 10 6
♦ 652
♣ Q8743
♠ A73 ♠ J 10 6 5 4
♥ 8743 None Vul. ♥ 952
♦ A 10 Dealer E ♦ Q743
♣ J 10 9 2 ♣ A
♠ K982
♥ AK
♦ KJ98
♣ K65

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦
pass 1♥ pass 1♠
pass 2♦ pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

Defending 3NT, you started the ♣J to partner’s ♣A. Back came the
♠5 to your ♠A. You exited a heart to declarer’s ♥A and the ♥K came
next. Declarer played the ♣K, then the ♣Q, and cashed the ♥Q and
♥J before leading a diamond to the ♦J and your ♦A.

Declarer probably holds both the ♠K and ♦K. If he holds either the ♦Q or
♠J in addition, the contract is cold. So place partner with both of those.
If you do that, the problem is clear — cashing the ♣10 would squeeze
partner.
Just exit with the ♦10 and leave declarer stuck in hand.
(If South had discarded the ♠9 instead of the ♦8, we would need to exit
a spade, not the ♦10.)

100 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 62 To problem

♠ KJ4
♥ KJ96
♦ 62
♣ KQJ4
♠ — ♠ 932
♥ AQ73 Both Vul. ♥ 852
♦ A Q 10 9 7 5 4 Dealer W ♦ J
♣ 86 ♣ A 10 9 7 3 2
♠ A Q 10 8 7 6 5
♥ 10 4
♦ K83
♣ 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ dbl pass 4♠
all pass

Against 4♠, the defense starts the ♣8 to the ♣A, the ♦J to the ♦Q,
♦A (East playing a club).

You have three tricks in, and there seems an obvious fourth. But instead of
simply laying down the ♥A, what about continuing diamonds?
Partner has all the outstanding trumps: what must he hold for a third
round of diamonds to be of value? As against that, can a third diamond
cost?
My word it can — declarer has seven trumps, partner’s ♠9xx are use-
less, and when the Welsh West continued diamonds in the Camrose Trophy
event in 2006, dummy trumped high and both declarer’s hearts went away
on clubs.

The Setting Trick 101

SOLUTION 63 To problem

♠ K4
♥ J8743
♦ J8
♣ Q863
♠ 9 ♠ A Q 10 7 6 3 2
♥ Q652 Both Vul. ♥ 10 9
♦ A97642 Dealer W ♦ 10 5
♣ J 10 ♣ K7
♠ J85
♥ AK
♦ KQ3
♣ A9542

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 3♠ 3NT
all pass

South plays 3NT after East’s preemptive 3♠, and the defense starts
with three rounds of spades, East’s third spade being the ♠3. Declarer
plays the ♦3.

It is always a matter for deep suspicion when declarer starts by tackling a

suit in which he can’t be long. In other words, playing a diamond is suspi-
cious — there is no way partner holds the ♦K or ♦Q.
Has partner asked for a club with his ♠3? (We note the ♠2 is missing.)
Surely he is unlikely to hold the ♣A, though third-hand openings can range
widely.
What he wants is for us to protect his clubs.
You must pop the ♦A and exit a red card. If not, declarer, who has also
noticed partner’s signal, might just be inspired to win the ♦J and play the
♣Q — a most unusual avoidance play.

102 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 64 To problem

♠ 85
♥ AJ854
♦ Q 10 8 6
♣ 32
♠ J ♠ 732
♥ 10 3 E-W Vul. ♥ KQ62
♦ AKJ752 Dealer N ♦ 3
♣ KQ96 ♣ J8754
♠ A K Q 10 9 6 4
♥ 97
♦ 94
♣ A 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♠
2♦ dbl pass 3♠
pass 3NT pass 4♠
all pass

Defending 4♠, you cash the ♦A, drawing the ♦3 from partner, and
pause to consider.

Partner is going to have to have a lot of stuff to beat this contract. One thing
he does have is a diamond singleton — what do you make of that?
What you should not do is cash the ♦K now; although it wins, it also
sets up a trick in dummy. A low diamond continuation allows partner to
ruff, and doesn’t set up any tricks in diamonds for declarer. Unless this
burns an unlikely trump trick of partner’s, it is the safest move — on this
layout, a heart shift also works, as long as partner, on winning, switches to
a club.
This would not be a good time to be playing upside-down count on the
lead.

The Setting Trick 103

PROBLEM 65 To Solution

You lead the ♠Q. ♠ A 10 9 8 7

Partner plays the ♠2 ♥ AK7
and declarer wins with ♦ 8
the ♠K.
♣ K864
Next come the ♥A,
♠ Q
the ♥7 to South’s ♥Q,
♥ 643 N-S Vul.
then the ♠6. How do
♦ KJ72 Dealer E
you defend?
♣ A Q 10 9 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass
1♣ 1♠ pass 3♥1
pass 4♥ all pass

1. Fit-showing.

PROBLEM 66 To Solution

You lead the ♦K, which ♠ 984

declarer wins, partner ♥ Q963
playing the ♦10.
♦ 962
Declarer plays the
♣ AK8
♣2 to the ♣A, then a
♠ A3
heart to the ♥A, fol-
lowed by another club ♥ 852 Both Vul.
to the ♣K (partner’s ♦ KQ7543 Dealer E
cards being the ♣3 and ♣ 10 7
♣5). Next comes the
♣8, won by partner’s WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
♣Q. He returns the ♦8 pass 1NT1
to the ♦J and your ♦Q. pass 2♣2 pass 2♥
How will you pro- pass 3♥ pass 4♥
ceed? all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.
2. Stayman.

104 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 67 To Solution

You lead the ♠3 to the ♠ 10 6

♠J and ♠Q. Declarer ♥ AK96
crosses to the ♥K, part- ♦ QJ863
ner playing the ♥7.
♣ J4
Next the ♣J (from part-
♠ K9732
ner, the ♣3) is run to
♥ 852 N-S Vul.
your ♣Q and you con-
♦ 74 Dealer E
tinue with the ♠K,
which holds. ♣ Q97
What next?
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♦
pass 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.

PROBLEM 68 To Solution
Your energetic auction ♠ Q 10 8
has bounced the oppo- ♥ 2
nents into 4♠. Partner ♦ K9876
starts the ♥9, which you ♣ AKQJ
win (declarer playing
♠ A97
the ♥10) to switch to a
None Vul. ♥ AKQ63
club (partner playing
the ♣8). Next comes a Dealer E ♦ A
spade to declarer’s ♠K. ♣ 9764
South ruffs his ♥J in
dummy and leads WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
another trump, which 1♥ pass
you win, partner follow- 3♥1 dbl 4♥ 4♠
ing. all pass
You look to have
three tricks, but may 1. Preemptive.
have trouble finding the
fourth if declarer can guess that the ♦A is singleton.
Well?

The Setting Trick 105

SOLUTION 65 To problem

♠ A 10 9 8 7
♥ AK7
♦ 8
♣ K864
♠ Q ♠ J542
♥ 643 N-S Vul. ♥ 98
♦ KJ72 Dealer E ♦ A 10 9 4 3
♣ A Q 10 9 5 ♣ 72
♠ K63
♥ Q J 10 5 2
♦ Q65
♣ J3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass
1♣ 1♠ pass 3♥1
pass 4♥ all pass

1. Fit-showing.

You led the ♠Q against 4♥. Declarer won with the ♠K, took two high
trumps (♥A, then ♥Q) then played the ♠6. What do you do?

There are two ways to beat 4♥, both requiring partner to hold the ♦A
(remember, South passed initially). The options:

1) You led that ♠Q to get a ruff, and now you must abandon that idea.
(Bridge is a contrary game.) Declarer is trying to get the spades going,
but if you duck, he can’t. The best he can do is go up with the ♠A and
concede a spade. Partner can now switch to diamonds and the second
round forces dummy’s high trump out; continuing a fourth spade is also
effective.

2) Okay, go ahead and make your ♥6. Now you must switch to a diamond,
and partner has to continue diamonds, forcing the ♥K from dummy
before it becomes an entry to set up spades.

106 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 66 To problem

♠ 984
♥ Q963
♦ 962
♣ AK8
♠ A3 ♠ K J 10 7 5 2
♥ 852 Both Vul. ♥ 10 7
♦ KQ7543 Dealer E ♦ 10 8
♣ 10 7 ♣ Q53
♠ Q6
♥ AKJ4
♦ AJ
♣ J9642

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♥
pass 3♥ pass 4♥
all pass

1. 15-17 HCP.
2. Stayman.

South plays 4♥, against which you led the ♦K. Declarer won the ♦A
and played one round of trumps and three of clubs, the last of which
was won by partner’s ♣Q. Now partner’s second diamond allows you
to win with the ♦Q. And?

Partner will have another trump, and you can use it to kill the ♦9.
However, there is something odd about this hand. Firstly, declarer
must hold the ♥AK, else why not finesse? If his hand pattern is 4-4-2-3,
why would he start by clearing clubs? Now that you think about it (always
a good idea), declarer has to hold the ♣J — so he is off-shape, 2-4-2-5, and
those two long clubs will get rid of all but one of dummy’s spades.
You need two tricks in spades, and playing the ♠A is a must!

[From the 2006 Rosenblum quarterfinal, set #2 in Verona, Nick Nickell

returned a diamond against Alan Sontag and 4♥ was made.]

The Setting Trick 107

SOLUTION 67 To problem

♠ 10 6
♥ AK96
♦ QJ863
♣ J4
♠ K9732 ♠ J84
♥ 852 N-S Vul. ♥ Q 10 7
♦ 74 Dealer E ♦ A K 10 9
♣ Q97 ♣ 653
♠ AQ5
♥ J43
♦ 52
♣ A K 10 8 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♦
pass 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.
2. Stayman.

Against 3NT, the defense started the ♠3 to the ♠10, ♠J and ♠Q.
Declarer crossed to the ♥K and led the ♣J, running it to your ♣Q.
The ♠K held the next trick.

Partner hasn’t covered the ♣J, which argues no ♣K, so you know most of
declarer’s points.
Simple arithmetic says he can’t have the ♥Q, so you should play a sec-
ond heart now, establishing the setting trick.
If you simply clear the spades, declarer will be forced to play partner for
all the red high cards and could catch him in a strip-squeeze.
You play the ♠K and it holds the trick.

108 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 68 To problem

♠ Q 10 8
♥ 2
♦ K9876
♣ AKQJ
♠ 65 ♠ A97
♥ 98754 None Vul. ♥ AKQ63
♦ Q 10 5 2 Dealer E ♦ A
♣ 82 ♣ 9764
♠ KJ432
♥ J 10
♦ J43
♣ 10 5 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥ pass
3♥1 dbl 4♥ 4♠
all pass

1. Preemptive.

South reached 4♠. Partner led the ♥9 and you won and switched to
a club. Declarer won this, played a spade to the king, ruffed the ♥J in
dummy and led another trump. You won this trick with the ♠A.

You don’t need to hope declarer doesn’t guess diamonds. Declarer’s hand
shape is 5-2-x-x, so he has six cards in the minor suits.
So if you cash the ♦A and exit a club, he can’t come down to only one
diamond. So when he is forced to play the ♦K, you can trump it.
In real life, however, +50 was little consolation when the opponents
were allowed to play and make 4♥ at the other table.

The Setting Trick 109

PROBLEM 69 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 2♥1
pass 2NT2 pass 3♥3
all pass

1. Six-card suit, 6-9 HCP.

2. Strong enquiry.
3. Minimum.
PROBLEM 70 To Solution

You lead the ♥4 to part- ♠ J943

ner’s ♥10 and declarer’s ♥ K2
♥Q. Declarer now leads ♦ J5
the ♣6 to the ♣J, which ♣ AQJ83
holds (partner playing ♠ AQ6
the ♣7). Next comes
♥ A974 None Vul.
the ♦J, covered with the Dealer E
♦ 9642
♦Q, and won by South’s
♦A. Declarer now ♣ 42
repeats the club finesse,
playing the ♣9 to the WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
♣Q and partner’s ♣K. pass 1♦
Partner returns the ♥3 pass 2♣ pass 2♦
and declarer plays the pass 2♠ pass 2NT
♥6... Over to you. pass 3NT all pass

110 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 71 To Solution

You lead the ♣4 to part- ♠ KJ

ner’s ♣10 and declarer’s ♥ 965
♣A. Next comes the ♦A ♦ Q 10 9 6 5 4
and ♦J to the ♦Q and
♣ 92
partner’s ♦K.
♠ 10 7 5 2
Partner returns the
♥ K3 None Vul.
♥Q. How will you
♦ 732 Dealer S
defend?
♣ QJ84

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 2NT2 pass 3NT
all pass

1. 16-18 HCP.
2. Invitational.

PROBLEM 72 To Solution

You start the ♥K and ♠ A 10 6 3

are pleased to see ♥ 9
dummy’s ♥9. Partner ♦ AKJ76
plays the ♥2, declarer ♣ QJ5
the ♥4. You continue ♠ K875
with the ♥J, on which
♥ KQJ87 N-S Vul.
dummy’s ♦6 is discard- Dealer W
♦ 83
ed, partner playing the
♥6 and declarer the ♥3.
♣ 62
What next?
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
pass 1♦ pass 1♥
pass 1♠ pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

The Setting Trick 111

SOLUTION 69 To problem

♠ 9854
♥ A85
♦ K95
♣ AQ6
♠ AKQJ ♠ 73
♥ J7 Both Vul. ♥ 64
♦ 832 Dealer E ♦ A J 10 7 6 4
♣ 9873 ♣ K42
♠ 10 6 2
♥ K Q 10 9 3 2
♦ Q
♣ J 10 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 2♥1
pass 2NT2 pass 3♥3
all pass

1. Six-card suit, 6-9 HCP.

2. Strong enquiry.
3. Minimum.

You are defending 3♥. Partner was dealt the four top spades and
leads them. Your problem starts at Trick 3.

There must be a good chance that the ♠J will hold — partner would prob-
ably have dredged up an overcall holding the five top spades.
Planning is necessary for partner’s move at Trick 4. If you ask for a dia-
mond and partner leads the ♦2, what card are you going to play? What if
partner switches to the ♦8? Don’t put yourself on the rack: the ♦4 asks for
a club, and the ♣K with the ♦A makes five tricks for the good guys.
In fact, as we can see, there is no need to switch at all, as long as East
plays the ♦A on a low diamond lead from dummy. In actual play, howev-
er, East called for a diamond switch and then was unable to read the posi-
tion from the diamond that West led, ducking it to the stiff ♦Q.

112 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 70 To problem

♠ J943
♥ K2
♦ J5
♣ AQJ83
♠ AQ6 ♠ K 10 8 7 5
♥ A974 None Vul. ♥ 10 8 5 3
♦ 9642 Dealer E ♦ Q
♣ 42 ♣ K 10 7
♠ 2
♥ QJ6
♦ A K 10 8 7 3
♣ 965

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦
pass 2♣ pass 2♦
pass 2♠ pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

You started a low heart against 3NT and it ran to partner’s ♥10 and
declarer’s ♥Q. Declarer played a club to the jack, returned to hand
in diamonds (♦J, ♦Q, ♦A) and played another club to the queen.
Partner won the ♣K and returned the ♥3, South playing the ♥6.
What next?

Declarer must hold the ♥J, else he would have flown with the ♥K at
Trick 1. He has therefore two tricks in hearts, three in diamonds and four
in clubs if he can reach them, and it is likely that he can.
So it’s panic stations — the next card out of your hand should be the
♠A.

The Setting Trick 113

SOLUTION 71 To problem

♠ KJ
♥ 965
♦ Q 10 9 6 5 4
♣ 92
♠ 10 7 5 2 ♠ A983
♥ K3 None Vul. ♥ Q J 10 2
♦ 732 Dealer S ♦ K8
♣ QJ84 ♣ 10 7 3
♠ Q64
♥ A874
♦ AJ
♣ AK65

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 2NT2 pass 3NT
all pass

1. 16-18 HCP.
2. Invitational.

You led the ♣4 against 3NT and partner’s ♣10 lost to the ♣A. Two
rounds of diamonds followed, partner winning with the ♦K. He
returned the ♥Q, South playing low.

This is a case where defenders need tricks in two suits to beat 3NT.
So win this trick with the ♥K and lead the ♣Q, which South has to
duck. You now switch back to hearts to establish Trick 5. Partner will need
to hold the ♥10 but surely he would have led low from ♥QJxx.

114 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 72 To problem

♠ A 10 6 3
♥ 9
♦ AKJ76
♣ QJ5
♠ K875 ♠ QJ9
♥ KQJ87 N-S Vul. ♥ 652
♦ 83 Dealer W ♦ Q92
♣ 62 ♣ 10 8 7 3
♠ 42
♥ A 10 4 3
♦ 10 5 4
♣ AK94

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♦ pass 1♥
pass 1♠ pass 2NT
pass 3NT all pass

You started the ♥K against 3NT, which held the trick as partner
played the ♥2 and South the ♥4. At Trick 2 your ♥J also won. On
this trick, a diamond was discarded from dummy, partner played the
♥6, and declarer the ♥3.

What do you make of declarer’s discarding a diamond — has she another

source of tricks?
Have you been watching the heart spots? If you have, you will have
noticed that the ♥5 is missing. Partner has it, and has elected to play the
♥6 instead.
You switch to a spade.

The Setting Trick 115

PROBLEM 73 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.

PROBLEM 74 To Solution

You begin with a spade, ♠ 8732

which goes to partner’s ♥ K83
♠9 and South’s ♠J. ♦ AKJ6
Next comes the ♣K.
♣ 62
How will you
♠ Q 10 6
defend?
♥ 10 7 6 4 N-S Vul.
♦ Q532 Dealer S
♣ A 10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
pass 1♦ pass 3♣
pass 3♥ pass 3NT
all pass

116 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 75 To Solution

You lead a top heart, ♠ 8753

and partner plays the ♥ Q875
♥9. How will you ♦ AK
defend?
♣ A84
♠ 4
♥ A K 10 3 N-S Vul.
♦ 10 7 6 4 Dealer S
♣ J 10 7 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠1
pass 3♠2 pass 4♠
all pass

1. 5+ spades.
2. Forcing.

PROBLEM 76 To Solution
Partner has found ♠ 3
dummy’s shortness ♥ A74
when he begins with the ♦ A K 10 8 4 3
♠5. South ducks your
♣ K 10 8
♠Q and also allows the
♠ KQ8
♠K to hold, following
N-S Vul. ♥ KQ8
with the ♠6 and ♠2.
Partner’s second spade Dealer S ♦ Q95
was the ♠4. ♣ 5432
Time to assess
prospects — what will WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
be your next card? 1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.

The Setting Trick 117

SOLUTION 73 To problem

♠ 63
♥ A9
♦ K Q 10 9 4 3
♣ A82
♠ Q J 10 9 4 ♠ K75
♥ 853 None Vul. ♥ Q 10 7 2
♦ 76 Dealer S ♦ A85
♣ KJ9 ♣ 10 6 3
♠ A82
♥ KJ64
♦ J2
♣ Q754

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.

Against 3NT, the defense started the ♠Q, winning, and the ♠4 to the
♠K, also winning.

It looks as if partner’s spades can be set up, but clearly you have the crucial
entry and it may be too late for the spades. Is there a useful switch?
There is, and your prescient partner was straining to tell you about it
with that ♠4. If you found the ♣10 at Trick 3, you go on The Setting Trick’s
Roll of Honor.
So declarer, not vulnerable, was one HCP light — hasn’t this happened
before?

[From the Pacific Asia Bridge Championships 2007 (RR2 – 8, #17).]

118 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 74 To problem

♠ 8732
♥ K83
♦ AKJ6
♣ 62
♠ Q 10 6 ♠ 954
♥ 10 7 6 4 N-S Vul. ♥ AQJ9
♦ Q532 Dealer S ♦ 10 7 4
♣ A 10 ♣ 954
♠ AKJ
♥ 52
♦ 98
♣ KQJ873

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
pass 1♦ pass 3♣
pass 3♥ pass 3NT
all pass

Against 3NT, your ♠6 runs to South’s ♠J. South now produces the
♣K.

Declarer’s spades are cast iron, the clubs will be solid except for the ♣A, and
the diamonds are cast iron.
Partner will need to be loaded in hearts, but you can find out by put-
ting the ♥10 on the table.

The Setting Trick 119

SOLUTION 75 To problem

♠ 8753
♥ Q875
♦ AK
♣ A84
♠ 4 ♠ Q J 10
♥ A K 10 3 N-S Vul. ♥ 92
♦ 10 7 6 4 Dealer S ♦ J932
♣ J 10 7 3 ♣ K652
♠ AK962
♥ J64
♦ Q85
♣ Q9

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠1
pass 3♠2 pass 4♠
all pass

1. 5+ spades.
2. Forcing.

Defending 4♠, you led the ♥A and partner played the ♥9.

The heart ruff will bring you a third trick, but how about the fourth? For
that to come from a second trick in trumps, partner will have to hold the
♠A.
In that case, you can afford to switch to a club at Trick 2 (failing if
South holds the ♣KQ alone). The switch gains when partner holds a secure
trick in trumps and the ♣K.

[From Sabine Auken’s I Love This Game, taken from an article by Audrey
Grant in the ACBL Bulletin (reference not given). Grant advocates false count
from East — Auken disagrees.]

120 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 76 To problem

♠ 3
♥ A74
♦ A K 10 8 4 3
♣ K 10 8
♠ J 10 7 5 4 ♠ KQ8
♥ 10 6 5 2 N-S Vul. ♥ KQ8
♦ 76 Dealer S ♦ Q95
♣ 76 ♣ 5432
♠ A962
♥ J93
♦ J2
♣ AQJ9

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.

West started the ♠5 against 3NT and the ♠Q and ♠K both won.

Partner cannot hold the ♠A, so the spades are out of further consideration
— partner will have no entry.
The obvious switch will be to hearts, but which? If partner has ♥Jxx,
you can start the ♥K and all will be well. But maybe partner has the ♥10xx
(or even ♥10x). Declarer isn’t clairvoyant, and would finesse the ♥9. So the
low heart it must be.
If declarer has the ♥J10x, nothing works. If he has the ♥Jx doubleton
— that’s tough.

The Setting Trick 121

PROBLEM 77 To Solution

Your ♠2 goes to part- ♠ 54

ner’s ♠Q and declarer’s ♥ K97
♠A. Next comes the ♦ Q97642
♦A.
♣ Q7
How are you going
♠ K 10 7 2
to defeat this contract?
♥ A542 N-S Vul.
♦ K 10 Dealer S
♣ 10 9 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
dbl 1♦ pass 2NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 17-18 HCP.

PROBLEM 78 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2♣1
pass 2♦2 3♦ 4♥
pass 5♥3 pass 6♥
all pass

1. Strong.
2. Negative or waiting.
3. Probe for control of diamonds.

122 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 79 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2♣1
pass 2♦2 3♦ 4♥
pass 5♥3 pass 6♥
all pass

1. Strong.
2. Negative or waiting.
3. Probe for control of diamonds.
PROBLEM 80 To Solution

The Setting Trick 123

SOLUTION 77 To problem

♠ 54
♥ K97
♦ Q97642
♣ Q7
♠ K 10 7 2 ♠ Q983
♥ A542 N-S Vul. ♥ Q 10
♦ K 10 Dealer S ♦ J83
♣ 10 9 6 ♣ J843
♠ AJ6
♥ J863
♦ A5
♣ AK52

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣
dbl 1♦ pass 2NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 17-18 HCP.

You led the ♠2 against 3NT and partner’s ♠Q was won with the ♠A.
South next played the ♦A.

Partner can have very little, but would likely have entered the auction with
five spades. So declarer’s ♠J is guarded.
To defeat 3NT, you need partner to return a spade through declarer.
The only possible chance is that partner has the ♦Jxx, and accordingly you
unblock the ♦K under the ♦A.

124 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 78 To problem

♠ A874
♥ 10 6
♦ 10 8 6 3
♣ KQ8
♠ KJ962 ♠ Q53
♥ 85 N-S Vul. ♥ J2
♦ 97 Dealer S ♦ AKQ542
♣ J953 ♣ 10 6
♠ 10
♥ AKQ9743
♦ J
♣ A742

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2♣1
pass 2♦2 3♦ 4♥
pass 5♥3 pass 6♥
all pass

1. Strong.
2. Negative or waiting.
3. Probe for control of diamonds.

Partner led the ♦9 against 6♥, and you won with the ♦Q.

If you continue diamonds, you know from the auction that declarer will
ruff. What are his likely holdings in the black suits? Assume he has seven
hearts and that his black cards include the ♣A. If he has the ♠K as well
that’s twelve tricks. So assume no ♠K. Then if declarer has two, three or
four spades, the contract must fail.
The case for concern is one spade with four clubs (not the ♣J). If you
return anything other than a club, declarer can draw trumps, trump two
spades in hand using the ♠A and one of dummy’s clubs for entry, and play
a squeeze (an either-or double, against partner in spades/clubs or you in
diamonds/clubs, whoever holds four clubs).
In this end position, South plays his ♥9:

The Setting Trick 125

♠8
♥—
♦ 10
♣K8
♠Q ♠—
♥— ♥—
♦— ♦A
♣ J 9 ?? ♣ 10 6 ??
♠—
♥9
♦—
♣A74

Whichever defender has the long clubs, declarer prevails.

If you switch to a club at Trick 2, declarer cannot arrange this ending.

126 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 79 To problem

♠ A874
♥ 10 6
♦ 10 6 5 3
♣ KQJ
♠ J962 ♠ K53
♥ 85 N-S Vul. ♥ J2
♦ 97 Dealer S ♦ AKQ842
♣ 98543 ♣ 10 6
♠ Q 10
♥ AKQ9743
♦ J
♣ A72

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2♣1
pass 2♦2 3♦ 4♥
pass 5♥3 pass 6♥
all pass

1. Strong.
2. Negative or waiting.
3. Probe for control of diamonds.

Partner led the ♦9 against 6♥ and your ♦Q won.

This is very similar to #78, but not identical. This time, you must hope that
declarer has at most three clubs. Then if partner has the spade queen,
declarer has a certain spade loser. The case for concern is when declarer has
that queen.
If you return anything other than a spade, declarer can play six rounds
of trumps, and three rounds of clubs. In this tantalizing end position,
South plays dummy’s final winning club (say it’s the ♣K):

The Setting Trick 127

♠A
♥—
♦ 10 6
♣K
Immaterial ♠K5
♥—
♦K8
♣—
♠ Q 10
♥3
♦—
♣7

You are caught in a criss-cross squeeze. If you discard a spade, declarer

drops your king. If you discard a diamond, declarer ruffs a diamond.
But if you switch to a spade and declarer misguesses the suit, then he
cannot arrange this ending.
The real problem is whether South is good enough to play a criss-cross
squeeze. If he isn’t, maybe you shouldn’t give him the 50:50 chance of the
spade guess.

128 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 80 To problem

♠ QJ5
♥ 10 8
♦ J975
♣ AJ85
♠ 743 ♠ A 10 9 6
♥ 9 None Vul. ♥ AQJ54
♦ K42 Dealer N ♦ Q 10
♣ Q 10 9 7 6 3 ♣ 42
♠ K82
♥ K7632
♦ A863
♣ K

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♥ pass
1NT pass pass 2♦
3♣ 3♦ all pass

After two slams, a lowly partial — 3♦. Partner led the ♥9 and you
won with the ♥A and returned the ♥Q, covered with the ♥K and
ruffed by West. He continued with the ♠7.

This is a setting trick problem par excellence — you need five tricks. That
♠7 suggests none there, no more in hearts and the ♣AJxx is sitting over
partner’s club holding.
The only possible hope is that somehow South has entered the auction
without the ♦AK.
You must rise with the ♠A and return another heart, any other heart.
Partner will win with the ♦K and you have a sure trick to follow.

The Setting Trick 129

PROBLEM 81 To Solution

Partner plays the ♠A on ♠ 643

your ♠5 and returns a ♥ Q6
spade, your ♠K prevail- ♦ 10 8 4
ing over declarer’s ♠J. ♣ A J 10 8 3
Where next? ♠ K75
♥ J Both Vul.
♦ QJ973 Dealer E
♣ 9764

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠1 2♥
2♠ pass pass 3♥
pass 4♥ all pass

1. 5+ spades.
PROBLEM 82 To Solution
Partner leads the ♠3. ♠ K9752
You are beginning to ♥ AK95
regret that you didn’t ♦ 854
get a 2♦ bid in here, but ♣ 5
don’t let that allow you
♠ 10
to take your eye off the
N-S Vul. ♥ 10 8 7
ball. The spade runs to
Dealer E ♦ K Q 10 7 6
the ♠Q, and another
spade to the ♠K follows. ♣ QJ86
Next comes the club
from dummy. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
How are you going pass 1NT1
to defend? pass 2♣2 pass 2♠
pass 4♣3 pass 4NT
pass 5♥4 pass 6♠
all pass

1. 15-17 HCP, no five-card major.

2. Stayman.
3. Splinter.
4. Two keycards.

130 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 83 To Solution

You don’t want to start ♠ 43

with a singleton trump, ♥ K86
so the choice is to lead ♦ Q J 10 9 7 4
from one of the kings. ♣ A8
You select the ♣2: it ♠ K 10 5 2
runs to the ♣8, ♣10 and ♥ 2
♣Q. Next comes the N-S Vul.
♦ K652 Dealer E
♣3, your ♣5, the ♣A
♣ K752
and ♣4. Now a spade to
declarer’s ♠A (partner
playing the ♠6), fol- WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
lowed by the ♣9. pass 1♥
Your play. dbl redbl pass pass
1♠ 3♥ pass 3♠
pass 4♣ pass 4♦
pass 4NT1 pass 5♠2
pass 6♥ all pass

1. RKCB.
2. 2 keycards plus the ♥Q.

PROBLEM 84 To Solution
Your partner’s 3♦ has ♠ J 10 5
pushed the opposition ♥ 10 8 6
to the three-level and it ♦ Q J 10 5
is up to you to defeat it. ♣ KQ4
You start with the ♠ A83 E-W Vul.
♦A, partner playing the ♥ AQ43 Dealer N
♦7. How will you con- ♦ A4
tinue? ♣ J 10 7 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♠
dbl 2♠ 3♦ 3♠
all pass

The Setting Trick 131

SOLUTION 81 To problem

♠ 643
♥ Q6
♦ 10 8 4
♣ A J 10 8 3
♠ K75 ♠ A Q 10 9 2
♥ J Both Vul. ♥ 974
♦ QJ973 Dealer E ♦ K52
♣ 9764 ♣ K2
♠ J8
♥ A K 10 8 5 3 2
♦ A6
♣ Q5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠1 2♥
2♠ pass pass 3♥
pass 4♥ all pass

1. 5+ spades.

The contract is 4♥ and the defense began the ♠5 to the ♠A, then a
spade to the ♠K.

If you continue spades you concede a vital tempo. Unless he has a trick in
trumps (unlikely), partner will need to hold both minor-suit kings.
You must set up a diamond trick before the ♣K is driven out. Notice
that if you don’t, it wouldn’t help for partner to duck when the ♣Q is run
around — this is teams. Declarer would drop the ♣K and score an over-
trick

132 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 82 To problem

♠ K9752
♥ AK95
♦ 854
♣ 5
♠ J83 ♠ 10
♥ 6432 N-S Vul. ♥ 10 8 7
♦ 92 Dealer E ♦ K Q 10 7 6
♣ A 10 9 4 ♣ QJ86
♠ AQ64
♥ QJ
♦ AJ3
♣ K732

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT1
pass 2♣2 pass 2♠
pass 4♣3 pass 4NT
pass 5♥4 pass 6♠
all pass

1. 15-17 HCP, no five-card major.

2. Stayman.
3. Splinter.
4. Two keycards.

Partner led a trump against 6♠. South won with the ♠Q, led a spade
to dummy’s king, and played a club.

If declarer has the ♣A, it doesn’t matter much which club you play, but what
if partner holds the ♣A? Declarer has six tricks in spades (with a ruff), per-
haps four in hearts and the ♦A. That comes to eleven. Where is the twelfth?
Declarer must expand his trump tricks to seven by trumping three times in
dummy. To prevent this, don’t rise with the ♣Q (or ♣J). If declarer plays
the ♣10 and comes to twelve tricks that way, tough. As the cards lie, part-
ner, after winning the club, will know to lead that third spade.
Of course this hand has been misplayed — declarer should have gone
up with the ♠K and led the club straight away. Declarers do sometimes
misplay. [From the 2007 Yeh Bros Cup.]

The Setting Trick 133

SOLUTION 83 To problem

♠ 43
♥ K86
♦ Q J 10 9 7 4
♣ A8
♠ K 10 5 2 ♠ Q96
♥ 2 N-S Vul. ♥ 10 9 7 3
♦ K652 Dealer E ♦ A83
♣ K752 ♣ 10 6 4
♠ AJ87
♥ AQJ54
♦ —
♣ QJ93

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1♥
dbl redbl pass pass
1♠ 3♥ pass 3♠
pass 4♣ pass 4♦
pass 4NT1 pass 5♠2
pass 6♥ all pass

1. RKCB.
2. 2 keycards plus the ♥Q.

You led the ♣2 against 6♥, to the ♣8, ♣10, and ♣Q. Declarer now
played a club to the ace, then a spade to the ace, then the ♣9.

Do you cover the ♣9 or not? If you don’t, you haven’t been thinking about
the club spots. Declarer knows where the ♣K is, so if he holds the ♣J as well
as the ♣9, he will finesse if you play low. If you cover and the ♣K crashes
partner’s ♣9 your ♣7 will still be high.
Once you cover, declarer is helpless. If he ruffs this, he will have to con-
cede a spade, and you can win and lead your last club. If he discards a
spade, again you can lead a club. In both cases, the fourth round of clubs
perforce dislodges dummy’s ♥K, setting up a trump trick for partner.

[From the Vanderbilt Final 2007. In play, West did not cover and the slam was
made.]

134 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 84 To problem

♠ J 10 5
♥ 10 8 6
♦ Q J 10 5
♣ KQ4
♠ A83 ♠ 7
♥ AQ43 E-W Vul. ♥ J752
♦ A4 Dealer N ♦ K8762
♣ J 10 7 3 ♣ 862
♠ KQ9642
♥ K9
♦ 93
♣ A95

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♠
dbl 2♠ 3♦ 3♠
all pass

After your takeout double of 1♠, partner bid 3♦ over 2♠. You start-
ed the ♦A against 3♠.

Partner can’t have much, but he did find a free bid. It looks as if he has the
♦K. Counting carefully, you find you have two diamonds, a spade and, if
you can get partner to lead a heart, two tricks there.
What you mustn’t do is waste partner’s entry (his only entry, for sure)
by getting him to return a diamond.
So switch — almost any black card will do, probably the ♣J is best.
When partner gets in with the ♦K, he will return a heart.

The Setting Trick 135

PROBLEM 85 To Solution

PROBLEM 86 To Solution
You lead the ♥J to ♠ Q 10 7
declarer’s ♥A. Declarer ♥ 8432
plays the ♦6 and you ♦ QJ
win with the ♦A and
♣ Q952
return a diamond to the
♠ K8
♦Q — partner had a
doubleton. Declarer ♥ J 10 E-W Vul.
♦ A 10 7 5 4 2 Dealer N
crosses back to hand
with the ♥K and leads ♣ J86
the ♠2. You hop up
with the ♠K (partner WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
playing the ♠3). pass pass 1♣1
This is the defense’s 1♦ dbl pass 1NT2
second trick. Can you pass 2♣3 pass 2♥
see where three more pass 3♥ all pass
might come from?
1. Precision, 15+ HCP.
2. 16-18 HCP.
3. Stayman.

136 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 87 To Solution

1. Good raise of clubs.

PROBLEM 88 To Solution
You lead the ♦K and ♠ AK73
partner plays the ♦5, ♥ 8
declarer the ♦9. What is ♦ Q872
your next card? ♣ A J 10 7
♠ 4
♥ A 10 6 5 2 Both Vul.
♦ AK43 Dealer W
♣ K63

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥ dbl pass 1NT
pass 2NT pass 3NT
all pass

The Setting Trick 137

SOLUTION 85 To problem

♠ J 10
♥ Q 10 9 7 6
♦ Q65
♣ A42
♠ 642 ♠ Q98
♥ 532 N-S Vul. ♥ J84
♦ A8 Dealer W ♦ KJ974
♣ KJ987 ♣ 63
♠ AK753
♥ AK
♦ 10 3 2
♣ Q 10 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass pass 1♠
2♣ dbl pass 3NT
all pass

Partner led the ♣8 against 3NT, which ran to the ♣10. After the ♥A
and ♥K were cashed, a low spade was led to your ♠Q.

Your combined efforts in signaling the hearts have created enough doubt in
declarer’s mind for him not to cash out nine tricks.
You must take advantage of this by switching to diamonds.

138 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 86 To problem

♠ Q 10 7
♥ 8432
♦ QJ
♣ Q952
♠ K8 ♠ J9543
♥ J 10 E-W Vul. ♥ Q65
♦ A 10 7 5 4 2 Dealer N ♦ 83
♣ J86 ♣ A74
♠ A62
♥ AK97
♦ K96
♣ K 10 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♣1
1♦ dbl pass 1NT2
pass 2♣3 pass 2♥
pass 3♥ all pass

1. Precision, 15+ HCP.

2. 16-18 HCP.
3. Stayman.

Against 3♥, you led the ♥J. Next came a diamond to your ♦A, and
you returned a diamond to the queen — partner had two. Declarer
crossed to hand with a trump and led the ♠2, your ♠K winning.

Declarer has shown up with 10 HCP and is likely to hold the ♠A since with
the ♣AK he would have started on clubs. Moreover, it is likely that partner
has the ♥Q, because the 1NT rebid denied a five-card major and declarer
hasn’t taken a third round of hearts.
If declarer has the ♣K10x (the hand shape is now almost certain) there
are inevitable losers in clubs and hearts and she has a guess to find the ♣J.
If you return a passive spade, the guess can be eliminated by playing the
♠Q, ♠A, then the ♦K, and then a heart. Partner will be endplayed.
To avert this, exit with your diamond, allowing partner to ruff and exit
safely in spades.

The Setting Trick 139

SOLUTION 87 To problem

♠ A872
♥ K7
♦ 10 9 8
♣ Q762
♠ Q93 ♠ 64
♥ J 10 9 8 6 4 Both Vul. ♥ AQ52
♦ 54 Dealer W ♦ AKJ632
♣ 93 ♣ K
♠ K J 10 5
♥ 3
♦ Q7
♣ A J 10 8 5 4

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♦ 2♣
pass 2♦1 2♥ 2♠
4♥ 4♠ all pass

1. Good raise of clubs.

Partner led the ♦5 against 4♠ and you cashed the ♦K and the ♦A.

Before you commit to playing the ♦J, consider declarer’s hand shape:
almost certainly four spades and at least five clubs (probably six). You are
looking to promote a deep trump trick in partner’s hand.
If West has a sure trump trick and South has two hearts, cashing the
♥A now will cost a trick. But that would have been the second down trick.
Take the best chance to beat the contract one trick — cash the ♥A
before going for the promotion.

140 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 88 To problem

♠ AK73
♥ 8
♦ Q872
♣ A J 10 7
♠ 4 ♠ 10 8 2
♥ A 10 6 5 2 Both Vul. ♥ J74
♦ AK43 Dealer W ♦ 10 6 5
♣ K63 ♣ Q985
♠ QJ965
♥ KQ93
♦ J9
♣ 42

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥ dbl pass 1NT
pass 2NT pass 3NT
all pass

The contract is 3NT and you led the ♦K.

Diamonds don’t look very promising; a better source of tricks is the heart
suit. You can beat this curious contract by playing partner for the ♣Q and
the ♥J.
Switch to the ♣3. If partner wins this trick with the ♣Q he can now
switch to a low heart to establish your fifth trick. If the ♣A is played, you
have five tricks another way.
The switch to a low club looks bizarre, but nobody said defense is easy.

The Setting Trick 141

PROBLEM 89 To Solution

You lead the ♦K and ♠ AK73

partner plays the ♦5, ♥ 8
declarer the ♦9. What is ♦ Q872
your next card?
♣ A J 10 7
♠ 4
♥ A 10 6 5 2 Both Vul.
♦ AK43 Dealer W
♣ K63

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥ dbl pass 2♠
pass 4♠ all pass

PROBLEM 90 To Solution

You lead the ♦3 to the ♠ 764

♦7, ♦8 and ♦A. ♥ Q95
Declarer cashes three
♦ J7
top clubs (partner fol-
♣ J8762
lows) and leads a low
heart. Your play. ♠ K53
♥ A73 E-W Vul.
♦ 10 6 4 3 2 Dealer S
♣ 10 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 20-22 HCP.

142 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 91 To Solution

You lead the ♣A, part- ♠ Q74

ner follows with the ♣3, ♥ KJ93
declarer the ♣2. ♦ 10 8 7
Dummy looks menac-
♣ K94
ing. What next?
♠ 32
♥ AQ65 Both Vul.
♦ K943 Dealer N
♣ A87

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♠
dbl redbl 2♣ pass
pass 2♠ pass 4♠
all pass

PROBLEM 92 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠
pass 1NT 2♣ 3♣
pass 3♠ pass 4♣
pass 4♦ pass 4♥
pass 4♠ all pass

The Setting Trick 143

SOLUTION 89 To problem

♠ AK73
♥ 8
♦ Q872
♣ A J 10 7
♠ 4 ♠ 10 8 2
♥ A 10 6 5 2 Both Vul. ♥ J74
♦ AK43 Dealer W ♦ 10 6 5
♣ K63 ♣ Q985
♠ QJ965
♥ KQ93
♦ J9
♣ 42

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♥ dbl pass 2♠
pass 4♠ all pass

You led the ♦A against 4♠ and partner played the ♦5.

Partner hasn’t raised your hearts, so there is a good chance that declarer has
four of them, and is quite likely 2-2 in the minors. Unless partner has the
♣Q, you are history, so play the ♣3.
Indeed you will have noticed that the hands are the same for Problems
88 and 89! Even the solution is the same, although the reasons for it are dif-
ferent.
The first is more subtle, a positional requirement — East has to be got
on lead. In the second, it’s simply The Setting Trick.

144 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 90 To problem

♠ 764
♥ Q95
♦ J7
♣ J8762
♠ K53 ♠ AQ92
♥ A73 E-W Vul. ♥ J864
♦ 10 6 4 3 2 Dealer S ♦ 98
♣ 10 3 ♣ 954
♠ J 10 8
♥ K 10 2
♦ AKQ5
♣ AKQ

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2NT1
pass 3NT all pass

1. 20-22 HCP.

You led the ♦3 against 3NT, to partner’s ♦8 and declarer’s ♦A. He

cashed three top clubs and led the ♥2.

Just a matter of counting to nine. Partner’s ♦8 suggests he doesn’t have a

diamond honor, since there is no point finessing against the ♦J. If declar-
er has the ♥K, ducking allows an entry to the clubs and nine tricks.
We should pop the ♥A and start spades.
This book has made much of suit preference signals, not as commands
for partner, but more as gentle hints. Should East have played his clubs in
the sequence 4-9-5? What about 5-9-4?

The Setting Trick 145

SOLUTION 91 To problem

♠ Q74
♥ KJ93
♦ 10 8 7
♣ K94
♠ 32 ♠ J9
♥ AQ65 Both Vul. ♥ 742
♦ K943 Dealer N ♦ QJ6
♣ A87 ♣ Q J 10 5 3
♠ A K 10 8 6 5
♥ 10 8
♦ A52
♣ 62

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♠
dbl redbl 2♣ pass
pass 2♠ pass 4♠
all pass

You led the ♣A against 4♠, and partner followed with the ♣3.

After the ♣A, the only trick you can see is the ♥A. In keeping with the
theme of this book, you work out that two tricks have to come from some-
where, and it’s not hard to guess whence.
Play the ♦3.
(We can here again emphasize the theme of suit-preference hints. East
must have a five-card suit to bid 2♣ directly over the redouble, so there can
be no point in continuing clubs; count and attitude become irrelevant, and
suit-preference important. So the ♣3 would suggest a holding in dia-
monds.
If East happened to hold ♠ Ax ♥ xx ♦ Jxxx ♣ J10xxx, he could per-
haps signal with the ♣J, to direct a low heart switch — the only way to beat
the contract.)

146 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 92 To problem

♠ 10 7 4
♥ J42
♦ KQ542
♣ 92
♠ J5 ♠ 6
♥ K93 None Vul. ♥ Q 10 8 5
♦ A 10 8 7 6 Dealer S ♦ 93
♣ 10 6 4 ♣ AQJ873
♠ AKQ9832
♥ A76
♦ J
♣ K5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♠
pass 1NT 2♣ 3♣
pass 3♠ pass 4♣
pass 4♦ pass 4♥
pass 4♠ all pass

Partner led the ♣4 against 4♠, and you know South has the ♣K. You
win with the ♣A.

The opponents’ system must call for a response of 1NT on a variety of

hands, some stronger than what you see in dummy.
Blabbermouth on your left has told you he controls clubs — no point
in continuing.
The only practical switch is to hearts, so the ♥5 it is. You are rewarded
when partner turns up with ♥Kxx and the ♦A.

The Setting Trick 147

PROBLEM 93 To Solution

You decide to start with ♠ A 10 3 2

a low heart. Partner ♥ —
wins with the ♥A and ♦ KQ85
returns the ♥7 to
♣ J 10 7 3 2
declarer’s jack and your
♠ 9
queen. Dummy’s ♣2,
♥ Q8653 None Vul.
♣3 were discarded on
♦ A73 Dealer N
the hearts.
It looks as if we ♣ AQ94
have set up three heart
tricks for declarer, but WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
you can see four tricks 1♣ pass 1♥
for the defense. Where pass 1♠ pass 2♦1
to look for the fifth? pass 3♦ pass 3NT
all pass

1. Fourth suit game forcing.

PROBLEM 94 To Solution

You start with the ♦A ♠ 52

on which partner plays ♥ KJ8
the ♦2. Dummy is not ♦ J84
an encouraging sight, ♣ AKQ93
since your ♥Q is in the
♠ A6
pocket — but a second
♥ Q9 None Vul.
diamond will cash.
♦ A K Q 10 7 6 3 Dealer E
Can you see a way
to four tricks? ♣ 10 7

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass
1♦ 2♣ pass 2♥
3♦ 4♥ all pass

148 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 95 To Solution

If you started a trump, ♠ QJ9843

good work. Often, it ♥ J3
seems, an auction like ♦ 864
this leads to declarer’s
♣ Q8
finding a fortunate ruff
♠ K2
in dummy. You have
♥ 9642 N-S Vul.
stopped that.
♦ K2 Dealer N
South wins the
trump in hand, cashes ♣ A 10 6 4 2
the ♠A and enters
dummy with the ♥J to WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
lead the ♠Q, on which pass pass 1♣1
he discards the ♦3. pass 2♠2 pass 2NT
Plan your defense. pass 3♠2 pass 4♥
all pass

1. Precision, 16+.
2. North shows ♠QJxxxx, 2-3-2 outside.
PROBLEM 96 To Solution

You don’t think much of ♠ J8743

that diamond suit and ♥ 10 5 4
respond a modest 1♥. ♦ AJ
The opponents then ♣ Q32
grab the initiative and ♠ —
you find yourself N-S Vul. ♥ QJ63
defending. Dealer W ♦ 98432
Partner gets off to a
trump lead. Declarer ♣ A954
wins that and plays the
♠A and another spade WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1♣ 1 pass 1♥ 1♠
to partner’s ♠K. Your
discards have turned 2♥ 2 3♠ all pass
partner off the red suits,
and he plays the ♣K, 1. At least three.
then the ♣J, not cov- 2. Probably four.
ered. If that holds, you
will have three tricks. Where will the next two come from?

The Setting Trick 149

SOLUTION 93 To problem

♠ A 10 3 2
♥ —
♦ KQ85
♣ J 10 7 3 2
♠ 9 ♠ Q8654
♥ Q8653 None Vul. ♥ A72
♦ A73 Dealer N ♦ 942
♣ AQ94 ♣ 86
♠ KJ7
♥ K J 10 9 4
♦ J 10 6
♣ K5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ pass 1♥
pass 1♠ pass 2♦1
pass 3♦ pass 3NT
all pass

1. Fourth suit game forcing.

You led the ♥5 against 3NT, and partner won with the ♥A. He then
returned the ♥7 to declarer’s ♥J and your ♥Q (dummy discarded
clubs).

Partner’s ♥A was a bonus — not much more over there. However, he could
just hold a king. If it’s in spades, well and good, it’s a trick. If it’s in clubs,
we’d better start them.
The ♣4 is the solution. It works even if partner has no tricks as long as
South has only ♣Kx.

150 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 94 To problem

♠ 52
♥ KJ8
♦ J84
♣ AKQ93
♠ A6 ♠ QJ9743
♥ Q9 None Vul. ♥ 10 6
♦ A K Q 10 7 6 3 Dealer E ♦ 2
♣ 10 7 ♣ 8654
♠ K 10 8
♥ A75432
♦ 95
♣ J2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass
1♦ 2♣ pass 2♥
3♦ 4♥ all pass

You led the ♦A against 4♥ and partner’s ♦2 is clearly a singleton.

Poke out the ♦Q at Trick 2, hoping/expecting partner to ruff and, if the

fates are kind, pick up declarer’s spades.

The Setting Trick 151

SOLUTION 95 To problem

♠ QJ9843
♥ J3
♦ 864
♣ Q8
♠ K2 ♠ 10 7 6 5
♥ 9642 N-S Vul. ♥ 5
♦ K2 Dealer N ♦ Q J 10 9 7
♣ A 10 6 4 2 ♣ J75
♠ A
♥ A K Q 10 8 7
♦ A53
♣ K93

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 1♣1
pass 2♠2 pass 2NT
pass 3♠2 pass 4♥
all pass

1. Precision, 16+.
2. North shows ♠ QJxxxx, 2-3-2 outside.

The contract is 4♥ and you found the best lead, a trump. Declarer
won in hand, cashed the ♠A, and entered dummy with the ♥J to lead
the ♠Q, on which he discarded the ♦3.

Declarer has set up the ♠J for a discard, but will need to draw trumps to
enjoy it, since you can ruff.
You need to force him to use his entry to dummy while you still have
trumps. Partner can’t have much, but you must play him to hold the ♣J.
If you lead a low club now, you remove the entry before trumps are
drawn.

152 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 96 To problem

♠ J8743
♥ 10 5 4
♦ AJ
♣ Q32
♠ K62 ♠ —
♥ A987 N-S Vul. ♥ QJ63
♦ Q6 Dealer W ♦ 98432
♣ K J 10 8 ♣ A954
♠ A Q 10 9 5
♥ K2
♦ K 10 7 5
♣ 76

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣1 pass 1♥ 1♠
2♥2 3♠ all pass

1. At least three.
2. Probably four.

Partner led a trump against 3♠. Declarer won and played the ♠A
and another. Partner then played the ♣K followed by the ♣J, dummy
not covering.

The setting tricks will have to come from hearts, and it would be a mistake
to let the ♣J hold this trick.
Partner held three spades, has bid clubs and raised hearts. So he is like-
ly to be shortish in diamonds and dummy’s ♦AJ suggests that dummy’s
hearts might go away if we don’t pounce.
Partner won’t have the ♥AK, but is very likely to hold the ♥A (he
would be more likely to have led a heart from the ♥K), so pop the ♣A and
lead the ♥Q.

The Setting Trick 153

PROBLEM 97 To Solution

1. Multi, a weak six-card major.

PROBLEM 98 To Solution
Partner leads the ♦7 ♠ A J 10
and you win with the ♥ Q94
♦Q. You cash the ♦A ♦ KJ
and partner follows ♣ A K Q J 10
with the ♦8, so the lead
♠ 83
was MUD.
E-W Vul. ♥ A J 10 2
How will you con-
Dealer E ♦ A Q 10 6 5
tinue?
♣ 92

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ pass
1NT dbl 2♥1 3♠
pass 3NT pass 4♠
all pass

1. Not necessarily strong.

154 The Setting Trick

PROBLEM 99 To Solution

Partner’s ♣A is ♠ AJ82
trumped. Declarer ♥ AKJ
leads the ♥J to the ♥Q ♦ K 10 9 6 4 2
(partner’s ♥6) and then
♣ —
the ♠3 (partner’s ♠4) to
♠ 10 5
the ♠J. Next comes the
Both Vul. ♥ 75
♠A (partner’s ♠6).
Dealer N ♦ A8753
Now comes the ♦2.
You fly with the ♦A and ♣ J952
discover that declarer
had the ♦QJ. It’s up to
you now. WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1♦ pass 1♥
2♣ 3♣ dbl 3♠
5♣ 5♠ all pass

PROBLEM 100 To Solution

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT 1 pass 4♠
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.

The Setting Trick 155

SOLUTION 97 To problem

♠ J843
♥ K3
♦ K Q 10 9 3
♣ 10 6
♠ K2 ♠ A Q 10 9 6 5
♥ QJ96 Both Vul. ♥ 5
♦ J2 Dealer W ♦ 876
♣ K8532 ♣ 974
♠ 7
♥ A 10 8 7 4 2
♦ A54
♣ AQJ

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass pass 2♦1 2♥
pass 3♦ pass 4♥
dbl all pass

1. Multi, a weak six-card major.

Partner has led the ♠K against 4♥ doubled.

This is close to a guess, but one of the two closed hands has a long suit
(South’s hearts) and one doesn’t, or not very much!
At the table, our East found the setting trick. He rose with the ♠A and
switched to a club.

[From a match on BBO, the final of the 4th Farmen Invitational.]

156 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 98 To problem

♠ A J 10
♥ Q94
♦ KJ
♣ A K Q J 10
♠ K42 ♠ 83
♥ 83 E-W Vul. ♥ A J 10 2
♦ 874 Dealer E ♦ A Q 10 6 5
♣ 87654 ♣ 92
♠ Q9765
♥ K765
♦ 932
♣ 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ pass
1NT dbl 2♥1 3♠
pass 3NT pass 4♠
all pass

1. Not necessarily strong.

You are defending 4♠. Partner led from three small diamonds and
you cashed the ♦Q and ♦A.

Partner must have something for that 1NT, though in your methods it may
be very little. There are only three high cards missing, the ♠KQ and the ♥K.
If partner had the ♥K, then it’s likely he would have led hearts. What
about trumps? If partner has the ♠Q, declarer may well finesse incorrectly
and all will be well. What about the ♠K? No two-way finesse there.
Cater for the ♥K with partner by cashing the ♥A. When partner dis-
courages, we can continue the ♦10, forcing dummy’s ♠10 and creating a
trick for partner’s ♠K.

The Setting Trick 157

SOLUTION 99 To problem

♠ AJ82
♥ AKJ
♦ K 10 9 6 4 2
♣ —
♠ K64 ♠ 10 5
♥ 8642 Both Vul. ♥ 75
♦ — Dealer N ♦ A8753
♣ AKQ643 ♣ J952
♠ Q973
♥ Q 10 9 3
♦ QJ
♣ 10 8 7

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ pass 1♥
2♣ 3♣ dbl 3♠
5♣ 5♠ all pass

Partner led the ♣A against 5♠ and dummy trumped. Next came the
♥J to South’s ♥Q, and a trump to the ♠J, then the ♠A. On a low
diamond, you took the ♦A and partner showed out.

Declarer is all set to run winning diamonds, but partner still has one trump.
All you have to do is play a club to force out dummy’s last trump.
Partner can step on the next diamond and cash a club, as long as he didn’t
start with seven (you can be pretty sure of this from the count card in hearts
— the ♥6 had to be from four unless partner had eight clubs).

158 The Setting Trick

SOLUTION 100 To problem

♠ 85
♥ K 10 7
♦ AKQ96
♣ 10 7 6
♠ K4 ♠ 10 7
♥ 6532 E-W Vul. ♥ AJ9
♦ 74 Dealer W ♦ J 10 5 3 2
♣ AJ853 ♣ Q92
♠ AQJ9632
♥ Q84
♦ 8
♣ K4

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

pass 1NT 1 pass 4♠
all pass

1. 12-14 HCP.

Partner led the ♥5 against 4♠, dummy following with the ♥7.

It looks as if this lead is not a genuine fourth best, not least because declar-
er has not used the ♥10.
If you allow South to score the ♥Q, he may be able to take fast discards
on the diamonds.
It looks best to win with the ♥A and switch to a club.

The Setting Trick 159

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bridge notables.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

Real-Life Defensive
Problems
This book of problems in defensive cardplay selects all its deals
from real events. What makes it unique as a problem book is that
you’re not up against a declarer who will always play perfectly.
Sometimes the problem allows you to take advantage of declarer’s
mistakes. As the title implies, defeating the contract is the empha-
sis throughout the book. You are playing teams, not matchpoints,
and the number of undertricks or overtricks is irrelevant. You are
encouraged to seek out the critical fourth trick against a major-suit
game, the fifth against 3NT, and so on.

ian mccance (Melbourne) is Australia’s ninth leading all-time master point

holder. A winner of several national championships spanning a period of 51 years
at the top, he has also represented his country at the world level. In collaboration
with Robert Smart, he devised Specific Trump Cuebids, described in The Bridge World
in 1981. Now retired, he writes a weekly newspaper column on bridge.

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The Setting Trick

Uploaded by

The Setting Trick

Uploaded by

THE

MASTER POINT PRESS • TORONTO

Cover Picture © PictureNet/Corbis

Master Point Press

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

1. Contract bridge--Defensive play.

GV1282.42.M33 2008 795.41'53 C2008-904144-5

Editor Ray Lee

Signaling: Attitude, count, or suit preference? There would be no point

Standard of play: At least an intermediate level of competence is assumed,

The Setting Trick 3

4 The Setting Trick

The Setting Trick 5

Partner leads the ♦9 ♠ KQJ

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1. Michaels, 5+ spades, 5+ minor.

8 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 9

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1. Michaels, 5+ spades, 5+ minor.

Defending 4♥, partner, whose bid of 2♥ showed spades and a minor,

10 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 11

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

12 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 13

Your ♥Q lead is won by ♠ AK7

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Partner wins your ♣Q ♠ K Q 10 7 5 3

1. Multi (a weak six-card major).

Partner leads the ♥J to ♠ Q97

The Setting Trick 15

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

16 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1. Multi (a weak six-card major).

The Setting Trick 17

1. Four hearts, 10-12 HCP.

Against 4♥, partner led the ♥J to declarer’s ♥K. Declarer eliminat-

18 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

We are defending 3NT. Dummy’s ♠J won Trick 1. Declarer cashed

The Setting Trick 19

Partner starts with the ♠ A J 10 4

20 The Setting Trick

Partner leads the ♥9 ♠ 10 9 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Partner leads the ♥10 ♠ A853

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 21

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Defending 4♠, partner starts with the ♥A and continues the ♥9 to

1) Deny entry to the South hand.

22 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 23

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

24 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 25

You lead a trump and ♠ A6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Partner starts with the ♠ J74

26 The Setting Trick

You lead the ♠9, partner ♠ A4

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 27

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

28 The Setting Trick

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

The Setting Trick 29

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

30 The Setting Trick