Friday, March
26, 2004 11:09 PM
PITBULLS:
In
all squeeze theory , the threats are unambiguous
. Simple squeezes need a defender to hold two suits with known threats in the
correct location. Double squeeze theory is the same thing. There is a B suit
which both opponents have to guard and each defender must have a suit which
only he can protect. These are known in advance ( no ambiguity ) so you cash
your winners in accordance with a defined order and execute the squeeze.
With
simple squeezes and double squeezes the count is rectified at one trick . If a
defender has to guard 3 suits the count is rectified at two or the 2nd
last free winner. This 3 suit phenomenon
allows what some authors call “pure” squeezes. These squeezes involve ambiguous threats and since one opponent
can not hold on to 3 suits you can change the ambiguous threat to a known threat on the 2nd last free winner . Whatever
suit that hand unprotects dictates the squeeze you are about to execute. You then apply normal simple or double
squeeze theory to make your hand . Richard Pavlicek discusses this phenomenon
at length in his article http://www.rpbridge.net/6d00.htm
.
In
some hands a pure squeeze fails due to lack of entries in the ambiguous suits
but there is still a way out with non-pure squeezes. Non-pure squeezes are those in which one
of declarer’s threat suits requires a combined protection by both defenders
(i.e., one defender cannot protect the suit by himself), or those in which the
trump suit has a ruffing role after
the squeeze. In practice, these situations are more difficult to recognize
than pure squeezes, but their knowledge could be vital and they shouldn’t be
ignored. Richard Pavlicek discusses these at length at http://www.rpbridge.net/6d91.htm
. Ruff out squeezes , clash
squeezes and guard squeezes apply when a pure squeeze can not develop.
A
guard squeeze is not a pure squeeze. It relies on the need of one defender
to keep a particular card to prevent his partner with a stopper from being
finessed. While a guard squeeze could arise in many situations, the only
practical application is where a pure squeeze would not function. The finesse
defines the guard squeeze. Clash squeezes exist due to the existence of a high
spot or honour card that contributes to the threat against one opponent.
Anyway
, reading the two articles by Richard Pavlicek gives you still more insight
into the world of squeezes.