The Schnapsen Log

Where’s the Endplay?

Martin Tompa

In the Café Abeles on this cold winter day, you and Peter took the opportunity of a break between games to replenish your supplies of hot coffee and cake. This time you have given in to your weakness, Linzertorte, a nutty-flavored cake with raspberry filling and a beautiful lattice crust on top. It’s difficult to savor it when you can’t stop yourself from loading the next piece onto your fork. The taste brings back fond memories of your grandmother, who used to bake a very similar cake.

While you were thus distracted, Peter won the first few deals handily. Finally looking up from your plate as though awakening from a sweet dream, you find yourself in the following position:

Peter: (34 points)
♠ AQ
♥ —
♣ J
♦ AK

You: (47 points)
♠ TJ
♥ —
♣ TQ
♦ Q

Trump: ♣
Stock: Exhausted
Game points: Peter 3, You 7
On lead: You

Peter declared a marriage earlier in this deal. You eye your spade holding with some displeasure. It looks to you as though there must be some endplay here, but it keeps slipping from your grasp. Plan your play. When you think you have a good plan, you are welcome to read my analysis.

© 2013 Martin Tompa. All rights reserved.

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