The Whitfeld Six

by William Whitfeld

Hearts are trump.   South to lead and win all.

South cashes the ♣J, unblocking the eight-spot.  A spade is ruffed; then dummy's last heart is led, south shedding the ♦Q.  East cannot unguard clubs, and a spade discard would subject his partner to an immediate three-suit squeeze, so he parts with his worthless diamond.  West is not so well off.  Being forced to guard diamonds, he also must keep his club to prevent a finesse in that suit; so he throws his spade winner.  Now, cashing the ♦A squeezes east in the black suits.

West was caught in a non-material guard squeeze.  Although the nine of clubs was not in line to win a trick, its presence helped partner to guard that suit.  Also, discarding the seven of spades did not relinquish anything of material value — at the time.

The world of bridge was introduced to the term "non-material" in the 1979 classic, Adventures in Card Play.  The famous Hungarian author Géza Ottlik, with the capable assistance of analyst/writer Hugh Kelsey, created this #1 "must-have" reference for anyone who really wants to know "The Way It Is".