Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Constructing double-dummy problems

A while back I posted this double-dummy problem. At the time, I promised some follow-ups.

At some point, I offered the hand to Hugh Darwen, author of a great book and website on double dummy problems, both called Bridge Magic. I constructed the hand to demonstrate an interesting squeeze ending, but was interested to learn that to a problem connoisseur that was not enough: it lacks precision. He identified 2 problems:

1. There's some freedom to the order in which early major suit winners may be cashed.

2. More importantly, when North pitches a diamond on the 3rd heart the play becomes significantly more precise and interesting (i.e. wouldn't it be nice for the problem to be forced down this line).

Given this feedback, I tried to modify the problem somewhat, but was unable to address both issues at once. Of the 3 constructions (the original linked to above, and 2 below respectively addressing the above comments), I think the last one below is the most interesting.

In all cases, you're to make 6NT after the Q opening lead.

A K 8 2
A K
3 2
A 8 4 3 2
J 9 7 6 5 4
J10 9 8 7 6
Q J10 8 7 6 5 4
10 9 7 6 Q J
Q 10 3
Q 5 4 3 2
A K 9
K 5

On a non-diamond lead, there's a red suit squeeze (duck a club). On a diamond lead, declarer must win, play ♠10, A, K, ♠Q, Q. However, either a club or a diamond may be pitched on the last heart, and the diamond pitch is more interesting.


Q J 10 3 2
A K
2
A 8 4 3 2
9 8 7 6 5 4
QJ 10 9 8 7 6
Q J10 8 7 6 5 4
10 9 7 6 Q J
A K
5 4 3 2
A K 9 4 3
K 5

On a non diamond lead, there's a nice delayed-duck squeeze in the red suits. On a diamond lead, declarer must win, A, K, A. Now, major suit winners can be cashed in any order so long as the last heart comes before the last spade (imprecise). This serves to make the play a little more interesting when East unguards hearts (A, K, heart). Also, the diamond menace against West is a little more interesting, requiring a throw-in to give it full force.


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