The last set of "Poco's Problems" were used tonight, in another "play and discuss" session. I shall be taking a break from devising these problems for a while, but I will be back with more in the future! The commentaries for tonight's hands, along with a .lin file, are below.  KEEP SAFE!   

First of all, a huge "Thank You" for all the birthday wishes for last Sunday, my 75th.  I got so many emails, texts, skype calls and chat messages from all over the world. I was on my own, and I had received no cards, (I think our postman is a victim of the Corona virus epidemic) but the day was really a wonderful one. The latest set of Poco's Problems are attached below. It was suggested that a .lin file might also be useful, so that is available below as well. I will be producing two more sets of problems, which will take us up to the end of April, then I shall have a rest. I shall still be providing analysis for the IAC Monday evening events and, whilst the crisis is evident everywhere, I am holding mentoring sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 am UK time. Please join in... all are welcome.

Poco's Play Problems returned on March 3rd, after a holiday break. The hands were all about planning the play as declarer. Some were decidedly more tricky than others, but the participants appeared to enjoy them. The next set will be on March17th...so, if you watched the discussion afterwards, why not take part next time? The latest hands and commentaries are below.

The latest edition of "Poco's Play Problems" was on Tuesday 14th January, where the theme was "ducking". Declarer may duck a trick for all sorts of reasons... these hands just showed a few of them. Seven tables took part in the tournament in which the hands were used, but over 40 people attended the discussion session afterwards. Why not join in.. and have a go yourself? The next set of problems will be in a fortnight's time, on the 28th. I hope to see you then. Those from tonight's session, including a brief commentary on each, are available using the link below.

I personally have never come across the lead of Queen from KQ10 x(x) against NT, asking for an unblock of the Jack, if it is held by partner. In the UK, I believe that the standard lead from that holding is the King. I have always taught my students never to lead an honour against a NT contract without three honours, (counting the 10 as an honour,)  unless the suit has been bid or supported by partner. The lead of an Ace would promise a suit headed by AKJ10, (possibly just AKJ if 6 or more were held) and partner would be expected to unblock the Queen or give count. The lead of a King would promise a suit headed by KQJ or KQ10. On that basis, the same objective could be achieved, i.e. partner unblocking the Jack if it is held. Although not part of this discussion, the concept of "strong tens" should maybe be considered. With those, the lead of a ten shows an interior sequence type holding such as KJ10, AJ10, K109 etc. The lead of a Jack, then, denies holding any higher honour. The standard lead from a suit headed by 109 then becomes the 9. I have played them myself for many years. In a regular partnership, they work well. Food for thought, anyway.

The latest set of hands were all about planning the play in No-Trump contracts. Some were more difficult that others, but everybody seemed to enjoy the challenges. The hands, and a brief commentary are available below. Join us again in a fortnight's time, on 3rd of December at the same time, for another set of brain-teasing problems. Enjoy your games!

Hi everybody!

I started "Poco's Play Problems" last Friday and will be doing the next one on Friday 1st November. I am attaching the hands from that session, along with a brief commentary regarding the point of the hand. Please remember that the bidding is, more or less, what would be expected in the UK. Those of you in the United States may well find it different to your own bidding methods. That doesn't matter... the problems are PLAY problems.... I hope that you enjoy them.