The Schnapsen Log

December 14, 2016

If Worse Comes to Worst

Martin Tompa

It has been a long time since I have written a column, for which I apologize to you, my dear reader. I promise to restart with a gentle puzzle and solution.

Concealed cards:
♠ —
♥ KJ
♣ TKJ
♦ J

Your cards:
♠ AT
♥ Q
♣ AQ
♦ —

Trump: ♠J
Stock: 1 face-down card
Game points: Opponent 7, You 7
Trick points: Opponent 30, You 26
On lead: You

You are playing against an opponent who you believe does not play as well as you do. You find yourself on lead in the diagrammed situation. No one has declared a marriage. What would you do? When you have your answer ready, you are welcome to read my analysis.

© 2016 Martin Tompa. All rights reserved.

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About the Author

Martin Tompa (tompa@psellos.com)

I am a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where I teach discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, design and analysis of algorithms, and other related courses. I have always loved playing games. Games are great tools for learning to think logically and are a wonderful component of happy family or social life.