Kelsey on Squeeze Play
by Hugh Kelsey

Master Bridge Series, £18.99, ISBN No. 0 304 36114 3

Without doubt, this is the most comprehensive book on squeezes around. Originally it was four books and the idea of combining them into a single volume is great. It enables readers to obtain the full set at roughly half the price of buying each individual title. The sections cover Simple Squeezes (one loser two-suit squeezes), Double Squeezes (against both opponents), Strip Squeezes (where a trick is lost after the squeeze) and Triple Squeezes (one opponent guarding three suits). Between the lot, the author deals with a significant majority of squeezes one might meet.

Kelsey starts from first principles, assuming readers know nothing about squeezes. He begins by defining the most important elements: entries, menaces, a squeeze card and timing. Then, for each group and type of squeeze he gives the various permutations that might arise, using practical examples and end-game diagrams to help convey the message. He also explains techniques you might employ to set up a squeeze or to retain your options for one. Most importantly, he covers defence against squeezes and each of the sections finishes with a set of test questions.

This is Exercise 4 from the section on simple squeezes. Try, if you can, to form a plan looking only at the North-South cards:

	Q 7 5 A 8 6 3 10 7 5 4 10 3
10 6 Q 9 7 2 A Q 8 6 3 9 8		9 8 4 3 2 J 5 K 9 2 6 5 4
	A K J K 10 4 J A K Q J 7 2

With East-West silent, you reach the optimistic 6 contract. West leads 9.

Finding Q-J doubleton is highly unlikely, and ducking a heart in the hope that you get a spade back is not much better. Against normal defence, a much better bet is to play for a squeeze. You will need someone to hold diamond length and any four hearts or Q-J-x.

Win the trump lead in hand and play J. This serves the dual purpose of losing your sure loser and preparing for diamond ruffs in hand. Then use 10 and Q as entries for ruffing diamonds. With East's K ruffed out, West is done for when you finish your black-suit winners. If a heart comes back when you concede a diamond, you should win in dummy, ruff a diamond and save Q as the squeeze card.

In short, if you want a superb in-depth summary of squeeze technique, and have sufficient interest to pick up a 500-page book, you need look no further.

Julian Pottage

© Bridge Plus 1999-2006