Page 45
To Finesse or Not
to Finesse?
With no clues from
the enemy, the issue here is how to give yourself the best
chance to maximize your winners. It doesn’t matter whether the
suit is trumps.
Missing
Honor(s) |
# cards between
declarer/dummy |
Example |
Best % Play |
| Q |
8 |
A 2
K J 6 5 4 3 |
Cast the ace, then finesse the
jack |
| Q and J |
8 |
5 4 3 2
A K 10 9 |
Finesse the 10, hoping RHO holds
the Q and J |
| Q |
9 |
A 3 2
K J 7 6 5 4 |
Do not finesse.
Cash the ace and king. |
| K |
10 or fewer |
6 5 4 3 2
A Q J 10 9 |
Finesse. Do not play for the
drop. |
| K |
11 |
6 5 4 3 2
A Q J 10 9 8 |
Play for the drop by leading the
ace. |
| K and Q |
8 or 9 |
5 4 3 2
A J 10 9 (8) |
Lead low to the J.
If it loses, finesse the 10. |
| K and J |
9 |
5 4 3 2
A Q 10 9 8 |
Finesse the queen.
If it loses, cash the ace. |
| A and J |
8 |
5 4 3 2
K Q 10 9 |
Lead low to the queen.
If it loses, finesse the 10. |
| A and J |
9 |
6 5 4 3 2
K Q 10 9 |
Lead low to the queen.
If it loses, cash the king. |
© 2004 - Marty Bergen
Page 46
To Finesse or Not
to Finesse?
Hold
That Finesse
"A finesse is a
tool; and you don’t use a tool without rhyme or reason, just
because it happens to be lying about." Alfred Sheinwold
When it comes to
finesses, a major philosophical difference separates the masses
from the most accomplished players. Most players love to
finesse. Finessing is simple – usually – and it provides
immediate gratification (when it works).
However,
experts don’t like to finesse;
never have and never will. Why? Finesses lose half the
time. I compare the expert’s mindset with that of a professional
gambler. He certainly doesn’t get rich on 50-50 propositions.
On the following
deal, N-S bid well to reach slam. North’s jump to 4 =
reassured you
that you would not have a trump loser. So, with your gorgeous
hand, you knew that 6=
would be
at worst on the club finesse.
Because of North’s
 J,
slam is excellent. On any lead other than a diamond, there’s no
problem. You would draw trumps and be happy to take the club
finesse. If the
Q
loses to West’s king, you will unblock your
A
and get to the board to discard the
 J
on dummy’s lovely
J.
© 2004 - Marty Bergen
Page 47
To Finesse or Not
to Finesse?
West North
East South
--
--
Pass 2
Pass
2 Pass
2
Pass
4* Pass
6
4*
Promises a very weak hand with 4+ trumps, but no controls (ace,
king, singleton or void) in the side suits.
Unfortunately,
after the
K
lead, you are faced with two possible losers – a diamond and a
club. After drawing trumps, too many players settle for the club
finesse.
You deserve better than a 50/50 proposition.
Before reading on,
take a good look at the N-S cards. Can you make the slam even if
West has the
K?
© 2004 - Marty Bergen
Page 48
To Finesse or Not
to Finesse?
Win the first
diamond, and draw trumps with the ace and queen. Now, cash your
spades and discard a diamond from dummy. Here is the layout
after six tricks have been played:
Contract: 6
Lead:
K |
|
--
J 10
8
J 7 6 5 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
--
K
6 5 3
J
A Q |
|
You are now looking
mighty good. Throw West in by leading the
J
from your hand. After winning the
Q,
West is endplayed. A spade or diamond lead allows you to ruff in
dummy and sluff the
Q
from your hand.
If, as is likely,
West leads a club, you know what to do when playing last with
your
AQ.
If you found this line of play, you will make this hand
regardless of which opponent was dealt the
K.
© 2004- Marty Bergen
Page 49
GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Contract: 6
Lead:
K |
|
5
4
Q J 10 4
8 7 2
J 7 6 5 |
|
| |
9
7 6 3 2
8
K Q 10 3
K 4 3 |
|
J
10 8
9
7
9 6 5 4
10 9 8 2 |
| |
|
A
K Q
A
K 6 5 3 2
A J
A Q |
|
© 2004 - Marty Bergen
Chapter 5 :YOU
Can Execute an Endplay .......................
53
|
