The finesse

The finesse is perhaps the most played bridge technique and occurs in almost every hand. In essence, you try and make an extra trick by hoping to play through the strength of one of your opponents.

Example

You are south and hold the 8, 7 and 3 of hearts. You need to make 2 tricks.

Have a think. How would you go about it?

If you want to see how it can be done, read on.

The only way you can win 2 tricks is to try and make the ace and the queen of hearts. You play the 3 of hearts:

• If west plays the king, you win with the ace and make the queen.

• If west plays the jack or 6, you win with the queen and make the ace.

The finesse is a risk because the king may lay in east's hand but it can give you an even chance of making an extra trick.