Hand XXI
An ill-judged call for trumps, and a well-judged third round, notwithstanding the adverse strength.
The Play
Remark.—Z has called for trumps.
Remark.—The fall of the spades (see Tricks 3, 4, and 5) shows that the three is in Y’s hand.
Remark.—It is seldom right to continue trumps when led by the opponents; but this is an exceptional case. B plays well in drawing two trumps for one, as it is evident that if Y and Z make their trumps separately they must win the odd trick.
Tricks 11 to 13.—Whatever Z leads, B makes ace, queen of hearts; and
AB win the odd trick.
The Hands
(B’s hand is given above.)
| A’s Hand. | Y’s Hand. | Z’s Hand. | |||
| 6 | ♠ | Ace, 7, 3, 2 | ♠ | Qn, Knv, 10, 9, 8 | ♠ |
| 9, 6, 2 | ♥ | 7, 5, 4 | ♥ | Kg, Knv, 3 | ♥ |
| Kg, Qn, Knv, 10, 9, 8 | ♣ | Ace | ♣ | 7, 6, 4 | ♣ |
| Ace, 8, 7 | ♦ | Knv, 9, 5, 3, 2 | ♦ | Kg, 4 | ♦ |
Z’s call for trumps is ill-judged, especially at the score of four-all. The whole club suit is declared against him, as Y, putting on ace, second hand, can have no more. If Z does not call, he wins the game easily.