The Schnapsen Log
Protection
Martin Tompa
It’s a cold winter day with ice on the ground. But you have made your way safely enough to the comforting warmth of the Café Abeles, where Peter waves to you from his usual table near the fire. He already has a generous piece of Haselnusstorte and a steaming cup of coffee with whipped cream in front of him, so you order for yourself while he deals out the cards. The first few deals are uneventful but, before your coffee has cooled enough to drink, you find yourself in the following situation:
Unseen cards:
♠ —
♥ Q
♣ TKJ
♦ AKYour cards:
♠ K
♥ K
♣ A
♦ TQTrump: ♥J
Stock: 1 face-down card
Game points: Peter 5, You 7
Trick points: Peter 31, You 21
On lead: Peter
Peter pauses to consider what to do next, and finally leads ♣T. Plan your play while you sip coffee. Once you have a good plan, you are welcome to read my analysis.
© 2013 Martin Tompa. All rights reserved.
