Squashes and Intrafinesses

Question 1

N J92
S A753
Three tricks needed

Answer 1

Only chance is T8 doubleton with West
Lead small toward North to finesse 9 to East’s Q
Next lead J to pin the T
Leaving 75 over 64 for finesse

Chance of 2 specific cards out of 6 is 1.6%

Question 2

N AKT6
S J2
Four tricks needed

Answer 2

Only chances are 
1) stiff Q (2 possibilities)
2) East has 987 (1 possibility)
Lead small to T, then lead J
Lead the 2 towards the T combines 2 out of 3

Chance is 1.4%
Just cashing the A (eg entry problem) is 1.0%

Question 3

N A8732
S J5
Three tricks needed

N A8762
S J3
Three tricks needed

Answer 3

Main chance is a 3-3 break - 36%
Leading to the J will add nearly 10%
East with K or Q with T or 9 doubleton give 6 ways
Also East with KQxx and East with T9

With the extra intermediates, lead the 6 to run it, then later lead the J; play East for doubleton K or Q or T with T or 9 combination.

If East in good company, play the 9 or T from all doubletons; (will benefit when holding 9x or Tx) and with KQXX duck the lead of the 6.

Question 4

N A93
S K842
Three tricks needed

Answer 4

Intrafinesse - missing three honours

Basic intrafinesse, playing West for doubleton honour

Lead small to the 9. Next cash the A, dropping the honour and finesse the 8

Why not play for the more likely three-three break ?

a) West might split two honours on first lead
b) when West plays honour on second lead, restricted choice applies

Question 5

N J2
S AQ983

N K2
S QJ983

In both cases West is thought to have length in the suit

Answer 5

If West is thought to have length, run the 9

Question 6

N A932
S Q854

What is best way to play this suit ?

What if West is thought to have the K ?

Answer 6

Play to the A and back to the Q

If West has the K, finesse the 8 first time, then lead the Q to pin East’s Jx or Tx