Pseudo Squeeze

When 3 of the 4 conditions for a squeeze to operate (B.L.U.E) are present, declarer may succeed by playing the hand like a squeeze, as the defender may be unaware that a condition is missing.  In this case we have a Pseudo Squeeze:

                    542

                    763

                    542

                    AKT2

AKQ                                T986

JT4                                 8

J987                               QT

QJ8                                976543

                   J73

                   AKQ952

                   AK63

                   ----

West cashes 3 top spades vs South's 4 contract,   then exits with the Jack.  As the only chance South runs the trumps.  West can afford a diamond on the 5th trump, but on the 6th he is pseudo squeezed.  If South started with AKx  OR  AK stiff, West should discard the diamonds.  If South has AKxx however, West must let go the clubs.  East can make the decision easier by discarding the Queen then the  Ten on the 2nd and 3rd trumps, then the 5 on the 4th trump.

To learn more about squeezes refer to Clyde Love's classic Bridge Squeezes Complete , now available in a fully interactive computer program.

Compiled by Lorne Russell 2005