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Third Hand Low

Third Hand Low

By In 44th World Bridge Teams Championships On 26th September 2019


Since the days of Whist everyone has known about the principle of playing ‘third hand high’ for a defender, the aim being to force out an opposing high card. However, circumstances alter cases, as on this deal from Round 14 of the Transnational Teams:

South led the Cuori4 and when declarer played dummy’s three, North realised that putting in the jack would allow declarer to win, draw trumps ending in dummy and play hearts from the top, collecting North’s queen. His solution was to contribute the two, allowing declarer to win with the nine. Declarer cashed two spades and then tried the CuoriA, but South could ruff and the defenders then cashed their minor suit winners for one down.
In the replay the same contract was reached, but after an identical opening lead North put in the CuoriQ and declarer had an easy route to ten tricks.


About the Author

Mark Horton
Mark Horton

Mark Horton British journalist and expert player, was Editor of Bridge Magazine 1995-2017 and now edits the online publication Bridgerama+. At one time, his business cards were inscribed: Have Cards will Travel, but following the death of his most famous sponsor, the Rabbi Leonard Helman, he has tended to concentrate on his writing exploits (in 2018 he had five books published!). Anyone wanting to discover how to lose at bridge on a regular basis (and pay for the privilege) should feel free to contact him. He currently lives in Shrewsbury with his wife Liz.