The Strip Squeeze is a powerful maneuver in bridge, where declarerThe player who during the auction made the first bid the SUIT of the final contract, becomes the declarer. The also play their partners hand which is now renamed 'dummy.'
Declarer plays both their own and dummy's hand. aims to strip the defenders of their key cards in a particular suit, leaving them defenseless and vulnerable. Let’s explore the steps involved in executing this strategic play:
Step 1: Identify the Target Suit
To initiate the Strip Squeeze, declarer needs to identify a suit where the defenders hold important cards. It’s preferable to have a long suitIs the suit with the greatest number of cards in a hand.
This term is not usually used on a suit with fewer than five cards. in declarer’s hand and some entries to reach it multiple times during the play.
Example:
Declarer: ♠ Q J 9 8 7 6
♥ –
♦ A K Q
♣ 10 9 8
DummyThe declarer's partner is called the dummy, and after the opening lead has been made by the opposition dummy lays all their cards on the table face up.
That is the end of this game for dummy and they have no more to play in this game.
Declarer now plays ...: ♠ –
♥ K Q J 10
♦ 10 6 5
♣ A K Q J 7 6
Defenders: ♠ K 5 4 3 2
♥ A 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
♦ J 9 8
♣ 5 4
In this example, the target suit is spades, as the defenders hold the majority of the spade cards.
Step 2: Establish Entries and Threats
To execute the Strip Squeeze, declarer needs to establish entries to their hand and create threats in other suits. Entries allow declarer to regain control and maintain pressure on the defenders. Threats in other suits force the defenders to make difficult choices when discarding.
Example:
Declarer leads a low spade from their hand and plays low spades from dummy. The defenders must follow suit and discard from their hands. Declarer establishes the spade suit as a threat and maintains control through entries in other suits.
Step 3: Force Discards
Declarer continues to play cards from established threats, forcing the defenders to discard. Observing the defenders’ discards is crucial, as it provides insights into their holdings and potential vulnerabilities in other suits.
Example:
Declarer plays high hearts from dummy, while the defenders discard. DefenderThis term refers to the pair who did not win the auction/bidding The defender to the left of declarer is the player who plays the first card in a game A discards low clubs, indicating potential weakness in that suit. Defender B discards low diamonds, suggesting vulnerability in that suit.
Step 4: Execute the Squeeze
With information gathered from the defenders’ discards, declarer maneuvers into the Squeeze position. The goal is to force the defenders to discard vital cards from other suits, thereby diminishing their defensive strength.
Example:
Declarer plays a high spade from their hand, while Defender A and Defender B must discard. Defender A, recognizing the threat, discards a low club. Defender B, feeling the pressure, discards a high diamond.
Step 5: Reap the Rewards
Having executed the Strip Squeeze, declarer now holds the advantage. By stripping the defenders of their key cards in the target suit, declarer can capitalize on the remaining suits to win additional tricksA round of 4 cards where each player contributes 1 card. There are 13 tricks in a game of bridge. and secure victory.
Remember, the success of a Strip Squeeze relies on accurate reading of the opponents’ discards, careful suit establishment, and well-timed execution. It is an advanced technique that can turn the tide of a bridge hand in your favor.
Practice and experience are key to mastering the Strip Squeeze, so keep exploring and honing your bridge skills to unleash the full potential of this strategic play.
Responses