| The Endplay
The term "endplay" is borrowed from Bridge. Basically, the player on lead strips or eliminates key cards. Then, he throws an opponent into the lead -- in order to receive a favorable lead. This is not always an easy task, as the pass alters the distribution of suits.
In this hand, West applies razor-sharp timing, with precision play (and a little luck)! No one enjoys absorbing 26 points at any time; however, if you are the victim of brilliant play, I suppose it can be easier to accept an opponent's Moonshot. Watch this impeccable technique:
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This was another one of those "keeper" or hold hands. West was not too thrilled about his hand, but saw a faint ray of hope for a Moon, if everything fell into place. The King took the deuce of Clubs lead, as South played the Ten and West ducked with the Seven. The Spade Eight was now dropped on the table, as South followed with the Six, and West's “deep finesse" of the Nine was successful. The Jack of Diamonds fetched the Queen and King, and a low spot by South -- and a very concealed grin by West!
A lot of work was still ahead, and when East played his last Spade, and South inserted the Ten, West tried the Jack. It held, and the crossroads had been reached. The Club suit was the key to the hand. If it was breaking 4-3-3-3, the Jack would drop under the leads of the Ace and Queen, and the Slam would roll home. The more likely distribution of 4-4-3-2 had to be considered. Please note that an original five-card "stack" of Clubs in any one hand (less than 10% probability) would have been fatal. This was a keeper hand, and thus, the passing of cards was not a factor in the distribution. Thus, West had two choices, and he played for a four-card Club length in any hand -- a very wise decision. In addition, the King and Ten had fallen on the first trick. The Club Five was played, and a great sigh of relief was heard, as everyone followed. It did not matter who won this trick. Hearts had not been broken -- thus the return of any of the other three suits guaranteed safe and easy passage to the Moon!
Was West lucky? A little bit! Was West good? A lot! The verdict -- great plays make for great results!
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