The Schnapsen Log

An Ounce of Prevention

Martin Tompa

In a regional tournament, you have survived nearly to the end of round 1 when you find yourself pitted against Katharina, whom you know to be an intimidating opponent. On her head she sports another of her outlandish hats, with vegetation and fruits sprouting out at impossible angles.

Concealed cards:
♠ QJ
♥ A
♣ TK
♦ J

Your cards:
♠ —
♥ K
♣ AQJ
♦ A

Trump: ♥J
Stock: 1 face-down card
Game points: Katharina 2, You 1
Trick points: Katharina 47, You 48
On lead: You

It has been a close match, and you need just one more game point. The reason the trick point scores are so high is that you each declared a marriage earlier in the deal, Katharina’s in spades and yours in diamonds. You picked up that ♥K by a trump exchange.

Not to put any pressure on you, but a win of the current game is critical to your tournament progress. What is your plan? When you think you have a great one, you are welcome to read my analysis.

© 2015 Martin Tompa. All rights reserved.

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