A MISSISSIPPI HEART HAND
USA,
1800s
Mississippi
Heart Hands were set up by cardsharps to lure victims into
a
betting trap. Although best documented for whist games, with
professional
gamblers on the Mississippi River steamboats preying on
unsuspecting
travelers, they are also known in bridge. The most
common
is the hand shown here. South has a powerhouse hand and is
willing to bet his last dollar.
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ª |
10
5 4 3 2
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© |
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¨ |
5
4 3 2 |
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§ |
5
4 3 2 |
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N |
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| ª | ª | J 9 8 7 6 | |||
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© |
8
7 6 5 4 3 2 |
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W
E |
© |
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¨ |
A
K Q J 10 9 |
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¨ |
8
7 6 |
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§ |
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§ |
10
9 8 7 6 |
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S |
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ª |
A
K Q |
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© |
A
K Q J 10 9 |
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¨ |
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§ |
A
K Q J |
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He
believes he is invincible but there is no game to be made.
A
diamond lead restricts South to six tricks in a heart contract.