Simple odds for bridge players

[@sueburke2307]

I set up the clubs as I have picked this tip up from a previous video. Thanks Graeme for your informative videos.

[@Skybridgeclub]

Nice one! It’s great when we can recognise important concepts in different hands. Good for you, Sue.

[@jennyhoran3292]

With an even number of cards missing, such as 4, breaking 4-0, 3-1, 2-2, 1-3 or 0-4 means that uneven breaking is more likely because two of the cases are equally likely and together are greater than the 2-2 case. An odd number of missing cards, such as 5, can break 0-5, 1-4, 2-3, 3-2, 4-1 or 5-0. So, 2-3 or 3-2 equally likely, and greater than the less balanced cases.

[@ulrichdaullary3886]

Ducking the first spade should be fine

[@louisaeggleton3426]

We got taught that for q finesses, 8 ever, 9 never - meaning to try for a finesse with 8 cards and play for a drop with 9. If 9 means opponents probably have 3-1 distribution of the other cards, why are we told to play for the drop? What's the advantage there? Thanks.

[@Skybridgeclub]

Hi Louisa, it’s the combined chances that count. 40% of the time the suit will be 2-2 and if the suit is 3-1, which it will be 50% of the time then there might be a singleton Queen. But with a 9 card for the percentage play is pretty close whether to cash an honour and then finesse or cash two honours playing for the drop. If you have a hunch then go with your hunch!

[@louisaeggleton3426]

@@Skybridgeclub thanks!

[@archiewoosung5062]

Couldn't you have tried for the diamond finesse first & switched to clubs afterwards?

[@damontoth]

That was my thinking when I played this, but it failed. In this hand losing the finesse first means you lose 1 diamond trick, 2 club tricks, and 2 spade tricks and go down. When you attack clubs first, you can take 9 tricks before opponents have any chance to win a diamond.

[@drosophilamelanogaster3957]

If the diamond finesse doesn't work and then switch to clubs you loose: 1 diamond , 2 spades and 2 clubs before you can claim.

[@carolacullum8299]

Graeme - how did some people make 10-11 tricks 0n this hand?

[@Skybridgeclub]

No idea, Carola. I suspect an error from the defenders.

[@carolacullum8299]

@@Skybridgeclub Thanks Graeme - and for all your great videos :-)