2007-09-12 01:09

Hand Evaluation – Visualization ( Rectifying the Count )

 

PITBULLS:

 

            Not very often we discuss declarer play in these articles, but declarer play very often depends on “thinking in patterns” or applying patterns. The simple squeeze is a basic declarer technique assisted by the ability to think in patterns. In a Calgary open pairs , my partner found himself in 3NT against the ominous opponent Perry Khakar.

 

            Partner opened 1NT & I held ♠xxx ♥AKxx ♦A10x ♣Qxx & bid 3NT. I had too many HCP’s for Stayman & my hand was so flat 4♥ & 4NT might be identical contracts. Partner held ♠AJx ♥Qxxx ♦Kxxx ♣AK , Perry being an astute opening leader ,  carefully chose the spade deuce. Partner realizes 4♥ is cold , so must make 4NT to get some matchpoints. RHO played the ♠Q so he won his Ace.

 

            Partner tries the hearts & Perry shows out 2nd round ! 4♥ can still make even with the 4-1 break as we get a pitch on the clubs & can ruff a spade. We now must make 4NT. OK , let’s apply some patterns so we can visualize the hand. The spade deuce by Perry plugged into a pattern means 4-3-3-3. So at most the opponents can cash only 3 spade tricks. If the person with 4♥ holds the QJ of diamonds , he is squeezed. Squeezes need the “count rectified” so you lead a spade to lose tricks. Perry cashes his 3 spade winners & exits a club. His partner was indeed 3-4-4-2 with the ♦QJ , so on the 3rd club he surrenders. The ♦10 on the board & declarer’s 4th heart are the threats & the clubs the squeeze winners.  Partner makes 4NT for a tie for top !  RHO held ♠Qxx ♥J109x ♦QJ98 ♣xx .

 

            A suicide squeeze is when one partner squeezes his own partner. This hand is not that case , but very close. Cashing the spades by one partner rectifies the count so that the clubs squeeze partner. Perry can get a top by not cashing his 4th spade & holding 3NT to 3. Recognizing squeeze defense needs the “Bud Lite” count rectified at 6. I think he was well over the limit for squeeze defense J.

 

            If you have not “bought into” the importance of thinking in patterns ,  you may have missed this simple squeeze. Memorizing & applying patterns need some effort on your part though. Thinking in patterns is playing Bridge . Squeezes are a byproduct of thinking in patterns.