TRICK 2.--This situation demands careful attention. If the
diamond is led from Y’s hand for Z to trump, the adversaries must
obtain the lead at the next trick, and would promptly lead trumps to
prevent any further ruffing. Z can estimate that he has but five sure
tricks in the two hands, three trump tricks, the diamond trick, the
ruff, and the possibility of making a trick with the king of clubs.
This, however, would give the adversaries the game and the rubber. To
win the game, two ruffs must be obtained and Z cannot afford to make
the situation clear to his opponents. He leads the seven of clubs
from Y’s hand in order to establish the cross-ruff.
It is this form of strategy that wins games and rubbers for the
clever player. Z takes the one chance to win the game.
TRICK 3.--B’s best play is unquestionably the trump. He has
both the spade and the club suit protected, his partner is marked
with strength in diamonds, and he can lead trumps with safety, but
not knowing that the weak hand can ruff, he returns his partner’s
original lead.
TRICK 7.--A can stop the cross-ruff by trumping with the
king of hearts, but this play would not afford him any advantage, as
Y would discard a losing spade, and Z may not have another trump.
TRICK 8.--There is no reason for B to trump. To discard is
his best play.