PUZZLE CORNER
This occasional column features intriguing questions, clever solutions, or an unusually noteworthy instance of one of the classical forms, such as double-dummy, inferential or construction puzzles.
Simple Switch, II
by Howard Sard
Assuming best play on both sides, construct two deals such that the interchange of one card of the same suit between partners results in the largest possible difference in the number of tricks that can be taken by one side:
(a) at notrump;
(b) with spades trumps.
Solution
(a) 12.
| NORTH ♠ K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 ♥ — ♦ 8 ♣ 2 |
||
| WEST ♠ 2 ♥ 7 6 5 4 3 2 ♦ 7 6 5 4 3 2 ♣ — |
EAST ♠ A ♥ — ♦ — ♣ A K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 | |
| SOUTH ♠ — ♥ A K Q J 10 9 8 ♦ A K Q J 10 9 ♣ — |
South is declarer at notrump; swith spade ace and deuce.
(b) 9.
| NORTH ♠ 6 5 4 3 ♥ — ♦ 9 8 7 6 ♣ 10 9 8 7 6 |
||
| WEST ♠ K Q J 2 ♥ A K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 ♦ — ♣ — |
EAST ♠ A ♥ 5 4 3 2 ♦ 5 4 3 2 ♣ 5 4 3 2 | |
| SOUTH ♠ 10 9 8 7 ♥ — ♦ A K Q J 10 ♣ A K Q J |
South is declarer at spades; switch spade ace and deuce.
ARTICLE SAMPLER
Here's a sampler of the features, articles and columns that you will find in the pages of The Bridge World each month.