Back to Bridge Bites Index

 

 

 

BRIDGE BITES  #9

 

 

DOUBLE ORDER OF DUCK

                                                                                    Brian Gunnell

 

Here is one of the best swindles of all time.  This coup was first pulled off in live play by the great Australian player, Tim Seres, and since then by Jeff Meckstroth (and maybe one or two others).  You are sitting in the victim’s seat (West), about to get hornswoggled, but don’t feel bad about it, anybody would be fooled.

 

 

♠ K74

A987

A9743

♣ Q

♠ QJT3

4

JT6

♣ T8652

      Dummy

 

You               East

 

     Declarer

 

                                                    None Vulnerable

                                                    South   West    North   East

                                                                              1         Pass

                                                    1         Pass   2        Pass

                                                    4NT      Pass   5        Pass

                                                    6         Pass   Pass   Pass          

 

It seems natural enough to lead the Q and you realize that you have hit the jackpot when Dummy goes down with the K and your Queen holds the trick.  So, Partner has the A and, as the opponents had a Blackwood auction, presumably they are not missing two Aces and therefore Declarer has the A.  You cannot be sure that another Spade is cashing, but there is no reason not to try, is there?  Let us enjoy the immensity of the swindle that has just been perpetrated upon you ...