| West was on lead, and this question was asked: "Can West with his four trump avoid a Euchre?"
The answer is YES! However, let me qualify this with the disclaimer that South must intentionally play incorrectly in order for West to win the hand. It reminds me a bit of a "helpmate" in the game of Chess. Here is how West avoids a Euchre.
Firstly, West leads the Ten of trump, and South ducks with his Nine! Now, West leads the Ace of Clubs and South trumps with a Bower. South will win only one more trick with the other Bower.
Here is an alternative line. West leads a high trump, and South wins with either Bower. South now leads his trump Nine. West wins the Ten, and leads his Club Ace. South discards a red Ace, and is now limited to two tricks. There are two other variations which allow West to win the hand -- only with help from South.
The other question was: "What is the BEST line of play for both hands, which results in the defeat of the West hand?"
Obviously, the lead of the Club Ace allows South to trump with his Nine, and then he cashes both Bowers for an immediate Euchre (set). West puts up a lot more resistance with the lead of a high trump (the Ace). South wins the trick with either Bower, and leads back with one his red Aces. West is forced to ruff with the Ten, and continues with another trump. (The Club Ace lead loses immediately). South now takes this trick with his other Bower, and plays his remaining Ace. West is fatally "punched," as he must use his last trump. The Club Ace is now taken by the lowly Nine of Spades, as the "orphan" trump has its day! Thus, South scores both Bowers and his low trump, and wins the race!
This problem was "duck soup" for many of the Euchre pros on Zone.com! The first three correct answers were submitted by: J. Hickman, C. Shollenberger, and Pamela C. Congrats to all three of you!
OK, OK, here is another challenge for you.
South is the dealer. As usual, North and East have junk. West is dealt this hand:
 K
 A Q 10
 J
 Void
The upcard is the King of Hearts. West, with four trump, including the Left, immediately orders up the King of Hearts to South.
I will tell you that South holds the Right (and the ordered up King of Hearts). He also holds the Nine of trump. Your mission is to construct the remainder of the hand for South which will result in the Euchre (defeat) of West no matter how West plays. After you construct South's hand, always assume that both sides are making the best plays. There is some very tricky play here. Can a hand with those four trump and the Left be beaten? Be sure you carefully construct the South hand.
Have fun with this one! See you next month! | |
