A SIMPLE FINESSE - A FORCING FINESSE

Take a pack of cards and put it on the table:

on one side (in hand) the 4 and 2; opposite (in dummy) the Ace and Queen

A Q

4 2

Also write this diagram on the board.

Simply ask this question: "What is the minimum number of tricks in this suit leading from hand? Is there a possibility of making another?" (advice 11.1 & 11.2).

Congratulate the pupil who finds the solution of the King being on the left and show that it is never in the interest of the person who has it to play it (it solves the declarer's problem. He prefers rather to hope that the declarer will play his Ace and subsequently he will make his King).

The children must understand that playing the Queen as third card is a 50-50 bet, i.e. with one chance in two of success (if the King is placed) whereas playing the Ace is 0% bet because it gives no chance of capturing the King (advice 11.3 & 11.4).

Reinforce your demonstration by illustrating it with the following example:

A 3 2

K J 6

Which is the missing master? How many certain tricks? What hope of finding the missing card? Manipulate starting from hand (advice 11.5 & 11.6).