Clear Thinking takes Gold

The Ruia Winter Nationals in Pune is a wonderful, fitting end to the year. The bridge calendar being so chock a block, I correct myself it’s not the end- we still have a couple more events to go through. The boxing stadium is an inspiring venue, where one can imagine tough bouts and upper cuts, now being mimicked at various tables.

A significant development this tourney, has been the introduction of yellow cards for unruly behaviour at tables. A direct impact of this on mixed pairs, where I am sure I heard a pin drop at certain times. This development is crucial, if we want to develop our players to the level of Gukesh on the world stage.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. When one starts learning bridge, you learn to take finesse and, as you finesse your skills, you wade into the complex world of elimination and squeezes. Consider this hand that came in the Gold teams yesterday.

Your objective is to make 12 tricks in 6N contract.

A simple finesse in diamonds, maybe a double finesse in spades. Maybe there are possibilities of elimination or a complex squeeze . But wait, this would be rife with risks as a player could retain a heart. At the table, these various chances cloud the mind obscuring the path ahead.

P Sridhar, who showed me this hand, is clear that success at the table is by following the discipline of clear thinking. We need to list out that chances and work out the possibilities taking the best line after this. What are the chances?

1. A simple finesse in diamonds - Probability 50%
2.  A double finesse in spade for 12. Probability 75%- eliminate choice 1
3. Play ♦A, ♦K and small to ♦J - This strategy works for a 3/3 break in ♦, ♦Q doubleton falling and fails only when ♦Qxxx offside - which is (100-36) % x 4/6 x 50 % =79% - Now eliminate choice 1&2
   4. How about combining chances? Take a diamond finesse - if it works you are through, when it doesn’t work - play ♦AK of D for a 3/3 break - when this fails, play West for ♠K. The probability - 50% + 36% x 50 % + ♠K inside ( 32 x 50% )=84%

While calculating exact probabilities may not be achievable at table, ranking the chances is definitely possible to choose the best line of play. Simple methodical thinking from first principles is all that is needed to find the best line says P Sridhar. This play was not found at many of the tables as your mind gets drawn to complexities.

Congratulations to all the winners and look forward to even better instructive hands and plays.

Thank you Pune for organising a very nice tourney.

Disclaimer : All opinions are entirely those of the author and are no reflection of the views of the BridgeFromHome Team.