Chinesse (Pseudo) Finesse: Bridge Play (original) (raw)

Chinese Finesse - A psychological finesse that, based on the actual card layout, would not work; however, due to a defender's confusion of partner's holdings, an otherwise non-winning trick is allowed to slide by the defender (also called a Pseudo Finesse)

For instance when North/South are in a trump contract and playing a side-suit. South leads the SQ. West might erroneously duck the best play of going up with the SK. This ploy may bluff West into believing North/South is holding the Jack.

If West ducks the SK, the declarer wins 2 tricks. However if West goes up with the SK, the declarer is limited to 1 trick.