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This column will review those hands in which you hold the Spade Queen after the pass. There is a reference to one situation in which you do not have the "Evil Lady."
After the pass has been made, and the Deuce of Clubs has been played, the time has arrived to determine your course of action. At the beginning of a game, the objective should be safety. If you hold the Spade Queen and insufficient support (accompanying spades called "backers"), it is imperative that you unload her at first opportunity. On the other side of the coin, if you hold the Queen with plenty of protection, your priority should shift to defense, and prevention of a possible "moonshot." This task will be much easier if you have passed a middle/low Heart or if you have a long side suit. In the latter case, you will be able to run that suit, and perhaps, obtain a Heart discard.
As the game moves along, tactics will shift, and you must be aware of the score. Hearts is a game of collusion. Temporary "partnerships" are often formed for many objectives:
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| The quality of your opponents is the most critical factor in any card game, and that includes Hearts! Novices tend to be "panicky" with the Spade Queen, and will dump her unexpectedly. Seasoned players work together effectively, and orchestrate the results of each hand. Trust is a must -- or your game is a bust! Discards often provide information as to who holds the Queen, and inferences may also be drawn as each hand progresses. For example, it is pretty safe to assume that the player who holds the Spade Queen after the pass, will not be leading Spades. Instead, he/she will be attacking the side suits and preparing the hand for the unloading of the evil lady! Another dead "giveaway" is the playing of a Spade, and then a higher Spade, in succession by the same person. That is the telltale sign of Spade trouble.
Control of the Spade Queen often decides the outcome of many hands. The ideal situation is holding a long Spade suit. The plan is to "strip" or remove all Spades, and then shorten or reduce any side suits. This will prepare for the placement of the Spade Queen. If your hand is safe, then you can afford to be patient and wait for the chance to nail the person with the low score! Another consideration is the discarding of dangerous middle or high Hearts from your hand. This is true especially after the risk of Slam has been removed. The composition of your hand is a very critical factor. If you do not hold an "escape" card such as the Club 3, Diamond Deuce, or Heart Deuce, your situation is more tenuous. I have seen many a player stranded with an overloaded (well-protected Spade Queen), and no exit cards -- after the Heart suit has been "split."
As for "keeper" (hold) hands, you are on your own, and must make a decision based on your holding.
Quiz of the Month
It is the first hand of a game. You are sitting as South. After the pass, you hold:
 A K Q 9 6
 Q
 A K 2
 K Q 10 9
Your left-hand opponent (WEST) leads the Club Deuce. NORTH plays the Jack, and EAST rises with the Ace, as you play your 9. He now drops the Jack of Spades on the table. What is your BEST PLAN for this hand? (Hint -- nobody holds a void in Spades, and nobody has five Spades.)
There are several lines here, but only one is optimal. | |
