The Schnapsen Log
By the Process of Elimination (after drawing ♣J)
Martin Tompa
As in the elimination play after drawing ♣Q, the only way to win after drawing ♣J is by managing to win a trick with ♣T. This again requires the elimination of Emmi’s safe exit card ♦J followed by throwing her in with a heart. You will regret it if you are reckless or cavalier and lead ♥Q to throw her in. Instead, carefully lead ♥J and this will be the position when she wins the trick:
Emmi: (32 points)
♠ —
♥ —
♣ AKQ
♦ —You: (55 points)
♠ —
♥ Q
♣ TJ
♦ —
This time she can cash ♣A and declare the marriage, but she will only get to 65 trick points and you will get to 68.
© 2013 Martin Tompa. All rights reserved.