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Rule of 2
- With a double tenace, such as A Q 10 or K J 10,
it is normally best to first finesse toward the lower honor.
The Rule of 2 is
a handy “rule of thumb” to consider when planning repeated finesses within
one suit. Generally, we first play to the lower of split honors, repeating
the finesse to the higher honor on the second round of play:
#1. A Q 10
6 5
4 Finesse West's Jack, then King
The Rule of 2 has a 76 percent
chance to earn two tricks and a 24 percent chance to make 3 tricks.
#2.
A J 9
4 3
2 Finesse West's 10, then King-Queen
We can always make one trick;
using the Rule of 2 we have a 38 percent chance to make two. Looking at the
above explanations, we note that in both situations the correct play is to
first try the lower finesse. Regardless of the outcome, we return to our
hand and repeat the finesse to the higher ranking finesse. The nice thing
about the Rule of 2 is that it’s easy to remember and can be applied with
various tenace situations as:
#3.
K J 7
4 3
2 Finesse West's Queen, then Ace.
The Rule of 2 has a 76 percent
change to earn two tricks and a 24 percent chance to make 3 tricks. While
the tenances are different, this sequence is effectively the same as #1
above.
#4.
Q 10 8 7
4
3 2 Finesse West's 9 then Ace-King
While we only have two lowly
honors, the Rule of 2 still is in force. This line has an 85 percent chance
to make one trick and a 26 percent chance to take two tricks. Of course,
like any “rule of thumb”, we should not be surprised to find exceptions.
Here are some caveats: (continued on next page)
a)
Evaluate the best line of play. Perhaps you can promote a side suit or let
the opponents first break the suit, such as employing an endplay. Here’s an
example:
#5. K J 7
4 3 2
Returning to our prior
example, we normally finesse West's Queen, then Ace. However, this was a
major suit and West bid the suit, so it is possible both of our finesses are
doomed to lose. Here’s the entire deal:
North
S K J 7
H A 7 6 5 4
D K 4 3
C 8 2
West East
S 6 5
S A Q 10 9 8
H 2
H 3
D J 10 9 8 7 6
D Q 5
C 7 6 5 4
C K Q J 10 9
South
S 4 3 2
H K Q J 10 9 8
D A 2
C A 3
West North
East South
—
— 1S 2H
P
4H All Pass
Based on East’s 1S
opening bid, declarer’s chances to finesse a Spade do not look promising.
Looking at the situation, we can see that in addition to losing one Club, we
have three Spade losers – one too many. So instead of playing a repeated
finesse, let’s pursue an endplay. We should pull trump, win the Diamond
Ace-King and ruff the third Diamond. Next we win the Club Ace and lose a
Club. East is on lead with this holding:
North
S K J -
H A 7 6 5 -
D - - -
C - -
West
East
S - 2 S A
Q 10 - -
H -
H -
D J 10 9 - - - D - -
C 7 6 - - C K Q
J - -
South
S 4 3 -
H - Q J 10 9 -
D - -
C - -
East has won two tricks but is
stuck for a play. Leading either a Club or Diamond will allow declarer to
pitch a Spade loser from hand and ruff in the dummy, restricting East to
only one more Spade loser. Leading a Spade is no better – dummy will win the
carefully retained Spade King, losing only one more Spade.
Note for the aspiring
defenders: West should lead the Spade 6, top a doubleton sequence. A
considerate West appreciates that the outstanding Spades are 6, 5, 4 and 3
(dummy’s 8 and 2 are visible). So West can deduce a disciplined partner East
is leading the top of a doubleton sequence – not a three card suit (begin
low or medium, depending on agreements). Trusting partner, East can win two
Spades, give partner a ruff on the third Spade and later win the Club King –
what a hero!
b)
Consider transportation – since you need to return to the hand in order to
repeat the finesse, ensure the other hand has sufficient entries (especially
weaker dummy)
c)
Beware of a dangerous opponent – if the opponent behind the lower finesse
(the Jack in the first hand) wins the lead, might the player return a card
in an unprotected suit and run many tricks though your hand? (especially in
a Notrump contract) If so, perhaps there is another safer line of play.
d)
If you do not need the extra trick to take home the contract, consider the
direct line of play. This is particularly true should the opponents have an
unusual suit distribution in trump or a seemingly promotable side suit. A
similar deviation is true when the bidding disclosed one opponent holds
certain cards – we should make good use of all information provided.
e)
As the number of combined
cards in a suit grows above seven, the benefit associated with the Rule of 2
is diminished. Here is an example:
#5. K J 7 6
5 4 3 2
While the honor sequence here
is the same as #3 above, the best line of play is dependent on your goal.
For instance, if your objective is to make two tricks, the best line is to
initially finesse the Ace (68 percent chance). When we hold a greater number
of cards, it’s more likely we can drop opponents’ lower honor as well as
promote the suit. However, if we really need to make three tricks, then by
all means use the Rule of 2 on this holding.
In
summary, the Rule of 2 is a nifty rule of thumb with multiple finesse
opportunities when holding split honors in a given suit.
Also see Finesse and
Suit Combinations.
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