Dummy Recognition Answers

1. This is a dummy with a threatening side suit. Overtake the ♥K and switch to the ♠J, hoping that declarer has the ♠Q and partner the ♠K. You also have to hope that partner has a trump trick or the ♦A. If so, you will score one heart, one spade and partner’s minor suit winner.

Declarer’s Hand: ♠ Q 3 ♥ 7 5 ♦ A Q 6 ♣ A Q J 10 9 4

Partner’s Hand: ♠ K 7 6 2 ♥ K Q J 9 3 ♦ 9 5 ♣ K 2

2. This dummy has a strong side suit discard potential. You must score three major suit tricks early. You need to find partner with one major suit king or the other. Win the ♥A and lay down the ♠A. If partner encourages in spades, continue with a spade. If partner discourages in spades, return a heart.

Declarer’s Hand: ♠ Q 10 9 ♥ K 5 4 ♦ A Q 9 8 7 4 ♣ J

Partner’s Hand: ♠ K 6 5 2 ♥ Q 10 8 2 ♦ 3 ♣ 9 4 3 2

It is hoped that you will read partner’s ♠6 as a positive attitude because TWO lower spades will not be visible.

3. This is a dangerous dummy if declarer can establish the clubs by ruffing.

Question: If declarer sets up the clubs, how can they be used? Answer: Declarer will draw trump, ENDING in dummy, and then discard any heart loser(s) on the clubs.

However, you can foil this plan by leading the ♠J. Partner has shown four spades by returning the ♠2, so declarer has another spade. This play forces dummy to ruff and now declarer can no longer set up the clubs and draw trump ending in dummy. You have effectively neutralized the club suit (and the dangerous dummy). Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for any heart trick(s) that may be coming your way.

Declarer’s Hand: ♠ 10 8 5 ♥ A J 10 ♦ K Q J 10 6 4 ♣ 6

Partner’s Hand: ♠ A 6 3 2 ♥ K 7 5 4 2 ♦ 8 ♣ J 5 2

Notice that shifting to a heart at trick three isn’t good enough. Even though partner’s ♥K drives out the ♥A, declarer can still set up the clubs, using the third diamond in dummy as the eventual entry to discard the losing hearts.

4. Lead a trump. The only value this dummy has is the doubleton heart. In order to prevent declarer from ruffing hearts in the dummy, shift to a trump.

Declarer’s Hand: ♠ K Q J 8 7 6 ♥ A K 4 3 ♦ K ♣ A K

Partner’s Hand: ♠ A 5 ♥ 7 6 2 ♦ Q J 9 7 ♣ Q 9 5 4

Partner plays the ♠A and a spade – declarer winds up losing two heart tricks.

5. Lead a trump. Your diamonds are so strong that declarer will not be able to set them up. Your job is to prevent declarer from ruffing hearts and/or clubs in the dummy.

Declarer’s Hand: ♠ A J 10 5 4 2 ♥ Q 9 6 ♦ 2 ♣ A Q 5

Partner’s Hand: ♠ 9 8 ♥ K J 7 5 ♦ 4 3 ♣ K 6 4 3 2

With a trump switch, declarer can take no more than nine tricks – providing that the defenders play a second trump when in with either a heart or a club.

6. Better shift to a spade honor and try to set up a spade trick before dummy’s clubs can be established. Had your partner led a spade, you wouldn’t have to go through this, but with a diamond lead, you do. If you sit there and wait for a spade trick, you will still be waiting.

Declarer’s Hand: ♠ 8 6 3 ♥ A K 10 9 8 ♦ Q 5 4 ♣ 4 2

Partner’s Hand: ♠ 7 5 4 ♥ 7 6 ♦ 10 9 8 3 ♣ 7 6 5 3