Articles by George "Ras" Rasmussen

George "Ras" Rasmussen - Tip #9

Double-Run Hypnosis!!

Previous | Next

DOUBLE-RUN HYPNOSIS!!

Don't fall in love with those double-runs. Many folks are blinded by them whether as dealer or non-dealer. Often there is a better hand to retain. Here are some common examples of double-runs, which should not be retained.

A-A-2-3-4-X or A-2-3-4-4-X

As dealer hold A-A-4-K or A-4-4-K, discard 2-3 to crib.

A-5-5-6-7-8

As dealer, hold A-6-7-8, discard 5-5 to crib, and start with nine points.

2-5-6-6-7-X

As dealer hold 2-6-6-7 and discard 5-X to crib. This one is tricky as does not work the same way with 2-5-6-7-7-X. Ask about this if you don't see the difference between these two double runs and discard choices.

3-4-4-4-5-X or 3-4-4-4-5-5

As dealer, hold 3-4-4-4, discard 5-X and 5-5 respectively to your crib, and start with ten points.

4-5-6-7-7-X

As dealer, hold 4-5-6-X, discard 7-7 to crib and start with nine points.

6-7-5-5-5-X

As dealer or non-dealer, hold 5-5-5-X, discard 6-7, and start with 14 points.

2c-3c-4c-4d-9c-Qs or 2d-3d-4d-4s-8d-Qh

As dealer, hold the club flush for nine points, discard 4-Q to crib rather than 9-Q or 8-Q.

As non-dealer, look for flush opportunities where count of hand exceeds score of double run and gives you an escape card when playing defensively or a sleeper card when playing offensively.

Play suited 2-3-4-6, 2-3-4-8, 2-3-4-9 for nine points in preference to 2-2-3-4 or some similar double-run combination of eight points. Retaining a flush often increases non-dealer potential for pegging. Retain suited 3-4-5-7 or 3-4-5-8 for nine points in preference to 3-4-4-5 of eight points. Not so with 3-3-4-5 or 3-4-5-5 as those double runs should be played. Experienced players know that there is a big difference between those three double runs even though they look much alike. Those with less experience, just trust me!

- Text copyright © 2008 by George Rasmussen. All rights reserved.

Previous | Next