My father told me, "Son, I don't have much money to send you out into the world with, so I'll give you some advise. If you ever come across a man that has says he can make a jack jump out of a sealed deck of cards and spit cider in your ear, do not bet this man. For as sure as you stand there you will end up with less money and cider in your ear."

-Sky Masterson, Guys and Dolls

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This was one of our "Daily Deals" at the club this week and South invariably opened 7. West doubled and collected 2,000 points!

Unfortunately, a diamond lead holds South to six tricks in a heart contract, and game cannot be made in any denomination. South can make nine tricks in a spade contract, or ten tricks in a club contract.

An equivalent hand was given by Hoyle in 1747, and the modern version was given by Thomas Mathews in 1804. It was probably used by the card-sharps of the Mississippi River steamboats during the Civil War period, who hoped to persuade South to make a heavy bet on the odd trick with hearts as trumps. It grew in favor among the professional cheaters in the days of bridge whist. As doubling and redoubling could continue infinitely, the odd trick in a low-stake game could become worth $10,000 (or as much as the client was considered good for) with the help of sufficient redoubles. Charles M. Schwab is reported to have paid off not less than $10,000 on this hand.

As always, you can follow the play of this deal with our Bridge Movie on our website.