The Schnapsen Log

November 28, 2018

Complete Information

Martin Tompa

You have started a new game against your formidable Uncle Tibor. In the very first deal, you reach a position that looks simple, but may require some thought.

Tibor: (34 points)
♠ —
♥ Q
♣ J
♦ AKJ

You: (26 points)
♠ T
♥ K
♣ A
♦ TQ

Trump: ♣
Stock: Exhausted
Game points: Tibor 7, You 7
On lead: You

I love endgames when the stock is exhausted, yet the winning play is still not obvious. You have complete information about your opponent’s hand, so the two of you may as well put your cards face-up on the table for all to see. How can you be in this situation and it not be clear what to do? Once in a while this is the case, and today’s deal is an example. When you have thought it through, you are welcome to read my analysis.

© 2018 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.