| Beginner's Korner -- Defensive Discards
This month, we are going "back to basics” to cover the topic of strategic discarding, after the pass of three cards has been completed. It is really is amazing just how many game are decided by split second decisions during the play of a hand. It is the first deal of a game. You have made your three-card pass to the left, including the pass of the 10 of Hearts. You have received the Jack of Hearts, the Queen and 6 of Clubs. Here is your hand:
 J 10 3
 K J 8 5 2
 A K 9
 Q 6
The diamonds are of great concern here. This suit (three cards) is relatively short; however, there is virtually no way for you to duck a Diamond trick here, barring very abnormal play. The opening lead of the Club Deuce is won by the Ace (on your left hand side) , all sides following. Next comes the Club King, drawing four more clubs. Finally the club three is tabled. (It is pretty obvious that this player has a Spade problem, and is clearing the Club suit). The player opposite you discards the Queen of Hearts on the second round) , and your right hand opponent produces the 5 of Clubs. What is your best play? Dump the Ace or King of Diamonds! A Heart discard is not even a consideration.
Analysis: Firstly, a Heart has already been dropped, as the play comes to you in fourth seat. Secondly, your Hearts are quite safe, barring a very strange distribution. Thirdly, your Diamond weakness and lack of low cards, make for a very vulnerable suit. The Spade Queen holder may hold only two Diamonds, thus, your nine spot is a potential concern. If this player has only one Diamond, or a void, then you have no escape. Why not increase your chances to avoid trouble? By shortening your Diamond suit, you decrease your odds of getting nailed in this weak suit.
Here is another scenario. The score is close after five deals.You hold this hand, and your three card to your right hand opponent has been made. You have passed the Jack and 10 of Hearts, and the King of clubs. You receive the King of Spades, Queen of Hearts, and the Ace of Clubs.B.
 K 10 8 3
 A Q 3
 K 9 4 2
 A 4
The Club Deuce is led by your right hand opponent. You climb with the Ace (everyone follows with high Clubs), and then you ponder possibilities. What is best play here? A Spade lead is tenuous, and the Diamond suit is less than ironclad. Try the 4 of Clubs! It should get you off lead, unless someone has the remainder of the suit, and the other two players are void. Hopefully, your left hand opponent will win this trick, and shift to Spades or Diamonds (how grand!). If he tries a third Club lead, what is your best play?
Go to the head of the class if you said "drop the Queen of Hearts.” This still gives you the guard in Hearts, (the Ace), and another escape card (the 3 of Hearts).
Finally, let's check out this holding. It is the fourth hand of a game -- the dreaded "keeper" or "hold" hand. You pick up this collection:
 A 3 2
 Q 10 9 3
 A 5
 A Q 6 3
Your left hand opponent leads the Club Deuce, followed by the 10 and the Jack. You do not want your right hand opponent on lead, especially with that Spade holding. Take the Club Jack with the Queen; the Club Ace must be saved in the event the Club King is also on the right. Get those Diamonds rolling - Ace, then the 5. In keeper hands, there is a tendency for suits to break more evenly, as there is no pass. If your right hand opponent wins the second Diamond trick, and shifts to a middle Spade, or low Club, you have lots of worry. But, if he pushes a third Diamond, you will have the opportunity to dump the Ace of Spades. The rest of the hand is still a bit "sticky"; however, you now have a few "out cards" in Spades, and a likely exit in Clubs, as well. As for the Hearts, there is always prayer!
Summary: In general, if you hold a suit that has length or dangerous high cards, try to discard from this suit if the opportunity arises. However, if you have length, and low cards in the same suit, consider discarding another suit. It is usually good technique to avoiding breaking the Heart suit unless you are anxious to "split" Hearts and prevent a possible moon, or if you had absolutely hideous Hearts! There are many judgment situations which do arise, and carefully discarding can often spell the difference between "woofing" the Queen of Spades, or escaping with a minimal number of points. | |
