Friday, March 26, 2004 11:09 PM

Hand Evaluation – Declarer Play ( Pure Squeezes )

PITBULLS:

In all squeeze theory , the threats are unambiguous . Simple squeezes need a defender to hold two suits with known threats in the correct location. Double squeeze theory is the same thing. There is a B suit which both opponents have to guard and each defender must have a suit which only he can protect. These are known in advance ( no ambiguity ) so you cash your winners in accordance with a defined order and execute the squeeze.

With simple squeezes and double squeezes, the count is rectified at one trick . When a defender has to guard 3 suits the count is rectified at two or the 2^nd last free winner. This 3 suit phenomenon allows what some authors call “pure” squeezes. Love called these “compound squeezes”. These squeezes involve ambiguous threats but since one opponent can not hold on to 3 suits you can change the ambiguous threat to a known threat on the 2^nd last free winner . Whatever suit that hand unprotects dictates the squeeze you are about to execute. You then apply normal simple or double squeeze theory to make your hand . Richard Pavlicek discusses this phenomenon at length in his article http://www.rpbridge.net/6d00.htm .

In some hands a pure squeeze fails due to lack of entries in the ambiguous suits but there is still a way out with non-pure squeezes. Non-pure squeezes are those in which one of declarer’s threat suits requires a combined protection by both defenders (i.e., one defender cannot protect the suit by himself), or those in which the trump suit has a ruffing role after the squeeze. In practice, these situations are more difficult to recognize than pure squeezes, but their knowledge could be vital and they shouldn’t be ignored. Richard Pavlicek discusses these at length at http://www.rpbridge.net/6d91.htm . Ruff out squeezes , clash squeezes and guard squeezes apply when a pure squeeze cannot develop.

A guard squeeze is not a pure squeeze. It relies on the need of one defender to keep a particular card to prevent his partner with a stopper from being finessed. While a guard squeeze could arise in many situations, the only practical application is where a pure squeeze would not function. The finesse defines the guard squeeze. Clash squeezes exist due to the existence of a high spot or honour card which contributes to the threat against one opponent.

Anyway , reading the two articles by Richard Pavlicek gives you still more insight into the world of squeezes.