Brief Tips

Aug 15, 2005


In previous monthly Brief Tips, we illustrated the lead of a 5.   This month we illustrate making the count 5 on the second play which HAL made in a mode TRAIN game.

HAL deals from hole 68, and is within three or four holes of being in position.

I keep the following hand at hole 65 3 spades 3 diamondss 9 clubs 10 hearts and discard 7 diamonds K diamonds

I keep the 9C so that I can make 15-2 if HAL pairs and avoid double-pairs royale which would make HAL a prohibitive favourite to win.   Balking HAL here is crucial.

The play proceeded as follows: 


     5      25      30   31-5
     2 diamonds    Ten Hearts    2 spades  Ace diamnods        
 3 Spades    Ten Hearts    3 Spades
 3      15-2    28

HAL played offense to successfully trap my 3, improved his board position and later eked out a win.

Next time you hold A 2 2 X as dealer, need to get into position, and suspect your opponent is leading from a pair of 3's, try this play.

You can replay this hand by setting MODE-CUSTOM, LEGACY SEED Numbers to 15376.15875.24891,   STRATEGY to G'MASTER.   HAL may play differently against you, depending on your opening lead habits.

July 15

E-mail me if you have any comments or to submit an interesting hand for analysis.