Blum on Bridge Card Combinations Part III
	After last week's second column regarding hand combinations, I thought it might be best to take a break and discuss other elements of the game. However, so many of you have conveyed to me that this is such an integral part of the game that I should continue. My suggestion to you is to save this group of columns and study them at your leisure. All of you must realize that at least one of these combinations arise each time you become declarer. I know that these articles are truly necessary to help you become a better card handler. So, as they say, "Let the games begin". Missing the queen when declarer holds five cards between he and dummy finesse the jack with AKJ10-4 to gain four tricks. With six cards AKJ109-4, though the chance of success is only 18 percent also finesse the jack to obtain five tricks. Change the holding slightly to AKJ98-43 (oh those tens, nines, and eights) playing lho for Q105 or Q10 finesse either the jack or nine to win all five tricks, only a winner 5 percent of the time. Needing only four tricks finesse the jack (58 percent). These next combinations holding six cards are most interesting. AJ65-K9. Finesse the nine. If this loses to the ten, cash ace/king. You win three tricks 68 percent of the time. Holding AK9-J43 lead small to the nine hoping lho has both the queen/ten (24 percent). Another 24 percent winner is to run the nine or jack holding AK5-J98. When you and dummy have seven cards between you, finesse the jack to win the maximum number of tricks with these two holdings, AKJ1098-4 and AKJ987-4. The first is 8 percent better than playing ace/king and the second 2 percent better. For you experts it is also 1 percent better than finessing the nine. Holding a doubleton with five cards in dummy (AKJ109-43) finesse the jack. Do not play the ace first, as Q862 with lho is more likely than a stiff queen with rho. Another seven-card combination to put in your playbook is AK932-J4. Needing all five tricks is only a 7 percent chance but if you must, run the jack or play low to the nine (Lho must hold Q105). For four tricks lead small to the jack. If it loses cash the ace/king (68 percent). For three tricks the 99 percent play is to lead small to the jack. If it loses finesse the nine. Notice the importance of the nine with this combination, AJ532-K9. For four tricks it is a 68 percent best to finesse the nine. Of course for either three or five tricks play the king then finesse the jack. The chance of making five tricks is only 18 percent. Holding most combinations where four cards are in dummy and three in your hand such as AKJ9-432 cash the ace before finessing the jack. Notice this confusing combination, AK106-J43. After cashing the ace lead small to the ten. DO NOT lead the jack as lho may have begun with queen doubleton (Q5). To obtain all four tricks holding AK32-J109 you cannot afford to cash the ace first. Finesse the jack right away. Needing only three tricks it is 100 percent whether or not you cash the ace first. Dummy has J1054-you AK4. Cashing the ace and running the jack is only 1 percent better than cashing ace/king to win all four tricks. Neither way is great, only 20 percent. Holding J985-AK4, cash the ace/king. Last but quite common is J432-AK9. To win all four tricks is only 9 percent, but to do so lead small to the nine. To win three tricks with this combo cash the ace/king and lead to the jack (85 percent). There are many combinations where declarer and dummy hold eight in the suit. Here are some that will probably give you the most trouble. There is a 37 percent chance of success finessing the jack holding a singleton versus seven in dummy (AKJ10932-4), 4 percent better than playing ace/king. Holding a second small card in your hand do not play the ace before finessing the jack. Holding J9832-AK4 cash the ace, go to dummy in another suit and run the nine (96 percent). To win four tricks holding AK95-J432, play ace/king (30 percent). To guarantee three tricks at rubber or teams holding AJ32-K954 play the ace and finesse the nine (100 percent). With nine cards in the suit, "To drop the queen or not to drop the queen. That is the question?" At matchpoints where you need the maximum number of tricks it is always better (with no adverse info) to play the ace/king. This line of play is a 53 percent certainty, 2 percent better than finessing the jack. Holding a singleton (AKJ76532-4) the drop is 8 percent better than finessing. However, at IMPs (teams) with holdings such as J5432-AK87 if only four tricks are needed to secure the contract, finesse the eight in case rho opponent is void. This works 100 percent of the time. Rubber bridge or team players just want to be sure of their contract. Holding ten cards always play ace/king. However, you can add to your percentage of success by lulling the opponent into covering when you lead the jack such as AK965432-J7. Lho may cover holding Q108. Play the king first with this holding, K65432-AJ98 to protect against one of the 3-0 breaks.