Scrambling Tricks

 

The term "scrambling tricks" usually refers to the situation where the trump fit is tenuous and Declarer cannot draw trumps.  Instead he grabs as many fast tricks as possible by cashing winners and ruffing before the enemy can get in and take control of the rest of the hand.

 

Related Play Problems                  Play Problem 15

                                                        Play Problem 92

 

 

5	♠ AQ732 ♥ 742 ♦ 32 ♣ 864	From 2nd January, 2008
♠ JT6 ♥ KT8 ♦ A85 ♣ K972	Dummy West             East           South	♠ K964 ♥ J53 ♦ J976 ♣ QT	Dlr     North Vul     N-S
© BES, Inc  All Rights Reserved	♠ 8 ♥ AQ96 ♦ KQT4 ♣ AJ53	West    North   East     South             Pass    Pass    1♦ Pass    1♠        Pass    2♣ Pass    2♦        Pass    2♥ Pass    Pass    Pass

 

Not only is this a difficult hand to bid, it’s also a tough hand to play.  The two most likely contracts are 2♣ and 2♥, and 2♥ is likely to fare better, perhaps as follows:

            J♠ lead is won by Dummy’s Ace

            The T♦ is finessed, forcing West’s Ace

            A Heart is returned, won by Declarer’s Queen

            Two Diamonds are cashed (Dummy pitches a Club)

            A Diamond is ruffed by West, Dummy pitching a Club

            K♥ is returned, won by Declarer

            A♣ is cashed, then a Club ruff in Dummy

Now Declarer ruffs a Spade with her last trump and has managed to scramble 8 tricks.  It doesn’t help the defense to lead trumps at every opportunity, they still won’t be able to stop Dummy getting a ruff.

 

 

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