The big decision/choice on defense is whether to be aggressive or passive. Should I bang down an ace and make a high-risk, attacking play? Or, should I just get out of my own way and let declarer do her own dirty work. Usually, the latter approach is best, but there are many exceptions.
The topic is covered in the book Larry Teaches Defense and the video.
Or try Larry's Defense Webinar series which you can find HERE.
With only your side vulnerable, South opens 2 and North raises to 4. You, West, lead the Q which declarer wins with the ace (partner playing the 5). Declarer plays a low diamond from his hand and your 9 wins (partner plays the 2). Now what?
Vul:South Dir: Both |
AQ2 K432 65 AK53 |
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4 QJ109 KJ109 QJ107 |
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You are East. The auction starts 1 on your left and 2 (natural, GF) on your right. Declarer rebids 2 (showing at least 6). RHO jumps to 4 and that is the final contract. Your partner, West, leads the Q to declarer's ace. Declarer plays the 10 to the 5 and 8. You win your K. What next?
Vul: Dir: |
A97 543 Q96 AQJ8 |
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632 876 KJ87 K96 |
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Vul: Dir: |
A97 543 Q96 AQ86 |
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632 987 KJ5 KJ94 |
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You are East. The auction starts 1 on your left and 2 (natural, GF) on your right. Declarer rebids 2 (showing at least 6). RHO jumps to 4 and that is the final contract. Your partner, West, leads the K to declarer's ace. Declarer plays the 2 to the 10 and Q. You win your K. What next?
South opens 2 and North raises to 4. West leads the Q. What is your plan? Assume you win the A, declarer following with the 6. What next?
Vul: Dir: |
KQ4 AJ96 75 KQJ10 |
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63 K102 A832 9632 |
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South opens 1 raised to 2 and everybody passes. You, West, lead the A and it goes 3,6,2. What do you play to the next trick?
Vul:Both Dir: South |
KQ4 543 K92 J974 |
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832 AK10 J106 Q1082 |
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West (You) | North | East | South |
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2NT | |||
Pass | 4 | Pass | 4 |
Pass | 6NT |
I'm on the record saying Gerber is a baby food, but I would use it with the North hand.
You lead the Q. Declarer wins it in hand with the K and plays a diamond to the K which you duck, and then the Q which you win. What next?
54 A3 KQJ1095 1098 |
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Q109 QJ109 A4 Q532 |
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