The Schnapsen Log
Imperfect Information (solution)
Martin Tompa
It is generally a great advantage to be on lead in Schnapsen, because all options are open to you and you are more in control of the direction the deal will take than if you are following. In today’s position, you have a perfect opportunity to seize control. You have two good trumps, two established spades, and 38 trick points, thanks to a marriage declared earlier.
All that stands in your way are the possibilities that Peter will trump your good spades and that he holds both trumps ♥TQ so that your trump control isn’t certain. You can nullify both of these possibilities by closing the stock and forcing him with an immediate lead of ♠K. Even if he holds both trumps ♥TQ, this forcing lead must put you in control of the trump suit. He can cash ♣A, but then will be on lead in this position:
Unseen cards:
♠ —
♥ Q
♣ TK
♦ TKJYour cards:
♠ A
♥ AK
♣ —
♦ —Trick points: Peter 41, You 38
Whatever he leads next, you can win with ♥K, pull his last trump with ♥A, and cash your good ♠A. This gives you 64 trick points plus whatever he contributes to these three tricks. This will be plenty to win 2 game points, thanks to your early closing of the stock.
Whenever you have a strong hand and good trick points, but do not yet have trump control, you should consider closing the stock and forcing your opponent to trump. Such hands do not immediately cry out to close the stock, so you need to be on the lookout for them.
© 2013 Martin Tompa. All rights reserved.
