| September "Feel of Fall" Quiz Answers
The response to this month's Quiz was very brisk, with more than 300 entries received. Here are the answers.
Set A -- Score 0-0; you are dealer; Upcard is the Heart King
Hand #1:
 None
 A Q
 10
 A 10
Pick it up! You have three decent Trump, a side Ace, and a Void. Your hand will be two-suited after the Diamond 10 is discarded.
Hand # 2:
 A
 J
 A
 A 9
Pick it up! With three side Aces and the Right, the hand is quite solid. Barring a Trump "stack," the hand is cold for one point, and may roll for five tricks if partner comes up with the Left.
Hand # 3:
 Q 9
 None
 J
 K 10
Pass! Your "Aceless" hand is very tenuous. Although you do have the Left, the black suits are just too weak. Some aggressive players might take a shot with this holding; a pass is preferred.
Set B - Score 7-7; you are dealer; Upcard is the Spade Jack.
Hand #4
 None
 A Q
 A K
 A
Pass! This is a close call. You just cannot afford to get Euchred, facing a 9-7 deficit, with the Eldest hand dealing next. If the next player passes, you can help your partner if he selects a red suit. Overly ambitious players will grab the Right, and hope for a favorable distribution. The safe course here is to pass.
Hand #5
 K Q
 None
 None
 Q 10 9
Pick it up! Once again, you have three good Trump, and two Voids.
Hand #6
 None
 K 10
 K J
 J
Pick it up! You will have both Bowers, and an excellent chance of winning either red King. Count on partner to give you one trick, or for a key Ace to be in the "kitty."
Set C -- Score 9-7 (you); you are dealer - Upcard - Diamond Ten
Hand #7
 Q
 Q 10
 Q 9
 None
Pick it up! Here is another tough call. You are "at the Bridge." Your trumps are very ratty. However, the threat of a black-suit Loner by the next hand is very daunting! I know, I know . . . There are those who will argue that giving the ops a "Euch" and the deal at 9-9 is quite suspect. That is a lot better than losing to a Loner! And partner may have the Right or a key card
Hand #8
 A
 A
 A
 A 10
Pass! Yes, a four-Ace is hand is very tempting. However, the score dictates the pass. Your hand is ideal for defense, or helping partner if the Eldest hand passes.
Hand #9
 K Q
 J
 None
 K Q
Pass! Your heart Jack is a stopper for a "next" Loner, and your black suits could help partner if he chooses to name Clubs or Spades. You really do not have a good offense if you opt for the Diamond 10.
Euchre is a game of judgment and intuition. Sometimes, you may have to take a chance -- especially if the score dictates that decision. Although the meek may inherit the Earth, it is the slightly aggressive partnership who will win more consistently.
WINNERS:
There were eleven perfect scores (nine-out-of-nine correct). The first two persons with the earliest dated e-mails and nine correct answers are:
Karen B. of Bossier City, LA
Steve R. of Lansing, MI
Nicely done! And "kudos" to all of the others who had perfect scores | |
