The Vise Squeeze: Introduction
Terrence Reese noted this squeeze, which he termed the vise squeeze (and which is now usually called the vice squeeze).
K10
x
--
--
QJ Axx
K --
-- --
-- --
x
Q
--
A
On the ace of clubs, Lefty is squeezed.
Definition
Note that there are two threats against Lefty, a normal squeeze threat and what could be called a "vise threat". I will define a vise squeeze as any squeeze containing this vise threat.
Features of this Squeeze
The loser count for this squeeze is two. When it works, you lose just one trick.
In Reese's description of the vice squeeze, Reese notes that Righty essentially must be down to having only the one suit. That is because Righty will be winning a trick, and there will be no controls in the other suits. This is true for the above example. It is not true in many other situations. One is if there is a winner in the threat suit, then Righty can have cards in that suit.
K10
AJ
--
--
QJ Ax
KQ xx
-- --
-- --
xx
x
--
A
Another feature is this. If you could have led one round of spades, losing the king to the ace, you would have a normal squeeze. To me, this takes some of the glamour out of the vise squeeze. However, you usually cannot lead just one round of spades without Righty then being able to lead the suit again. So the vise squeeze is usually needed.
Preview of Coming Attractions
I have not seen any further analysis of the vice squeeze. But there is much more.
First, the above position, and the the name "vise", obscures the underlying structure of the squeeze.
Second, there is a more complicated vice squeeze, which occurred in play and may occur somewhat often.
Finally, there is a squeeze called the mole squeeze, which has been analyzed in detail. However, it can be seen as a variation of the vice squeeze.
Next: Unraveling the structure of the Vise Squeeze
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