Massive Wastage
A K Q J
—
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2
—
A K Q J
5 4 3 2
10 9 8 7 6
A K Q J
—
—
A K Q J
5 4 3 2
10 9 8 7 6
Srinivasa Damarla sent me this example with 9-card fits where nobody
makes. It's interesting to note that this is the ultimate case of
wasted values; every honor is held opposite a void.
This is also a worse case for declarer than our first diagram - South can be
held to five tricks in notrump, clubs and diamonds.
In spades, West starts with four clubs, East ruffing the fourth and
taking his diamonds. West still gets his long spade, holding South to
four tricks.
In hearts, West again starts with four clubs, and East pitches
spades. West then exits a heart. East still gets his four diamonds and
a long heart, again holding declarer to four tricks. So in notrump,
having the lead is worth three tricks, while in each suit, having the
lead is worth four tricks.