Contract Bridge

by Steve Becker Famous hand

This is probably the most famous hand in the history of bridge. Legend has it that the Duke of Cumberland, more than two centuries ago, held the East hand and wagered 20,000 pounds against the North-South hands making seven clubs redoubled.

The duke lost the bet, since he was unable to score a single trick despite his extraordinary array of high cards. Regardless of whether the story is true or the hand was actually dealt, it comes to us from way back in the days of whist, having first been published by Edmond Hoyle in 1750.

No bidding is given for the hand, the sole stipulation being that the final contract is seven clubs redoubled, played by South.

There is no way of stopping the grand slam if declarer plays correctly. Aces become deuces as South obliterates every honor card held by East.

Let’s assume West leads a diamond or a heart. Declarer ruffs, trumps a spade in dummy and returns a club, capturing East’s nine with the ten. Declarer ruffs another spade in dummy and takes a second trump finesse. When declarer then ruffs a third round of spades in dummy, his remaining spades become established.

Declarer returns to his hand by ruffing a diamond or a heart, cashes the ace of trumps and chalks up 13 tricks.

The deal is an extreme example of the potent power of unusual distribution. Double and triple voids can easily wreak havoc on point count and honor tricks.

Incidentally, we’d like to suggest that if you ever play in a game with strangers and are dealt the East hand, you should either ask for a new deal or head quickly for the nearest exit!