The Milton Work's Coup is described by Mr. José Le Dentu and Mr. Robert Berthe, both of France, in their publication Mesurez-Vous Aux Champions. The illustration of this coup from their publication is presented below. Their co-operated work was published by Grasset on May 10, 1988. ISBN: 978-2-246-41321-9, EAN13: 9782246413219.
Note: Any additional information as to the French bridge personalities of Mr. José Le Dentu and Mr. Robert Berthe would be greatly appreciated.
Note: Milton Cooper Work, who was born in the year 1864 and died on June 27, 1934, was a noted American authority on the games of Whist, Bridge Whist, Auction Bridge, and Contract Bridge. It is noted that Mr. Milton Cooper Work was acknowledged as the greatest bridge authority from the year 1917 through 1931 according to The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge, Sixth Edition, page 762.
It is believed that both Mr. José Le Dentu and Mr. Robert Berthe dedicated their play technique to this famous bridge personality for his advancement of the game,
The following example of the Milton Work's Coup is described in the publication of Mr. José Le Dentu and Mr. Robert Berthe and is repeated here.
| Declarer: |
South |
| Contract: |
6 Spades |
| Lead: |
3 of Spades |
Following the lead of the 3 of Spades South plays the 7 of Spades from the dummy, which wins the trick. It is not difficult to realize that if the trumps do not split 2-2, then the Hearts in the dummy become blocked.
One possible play technique is for South to attempt a finesse in Diamonds, but the chances are only 50%. Either the King of Diamonds lies with East or with West. On this lay-out of the cards the King of Diamonds is off-side.
The solution is for South to play a Club at trick two from the dummy. This play will unblock a Heart honor from hand. On any return by either East or West the declarer can then take the Ace of Spades, then the Ace of Hearts, and then the King of Hearts before re-entering the dummy with the 10 of Spades. Following this play technique, or the Milton Work's Coup, South can then discard the Diamond losers on the good Hearts in the dummy.
If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.