Strawman — Puzzle X3

Hearts are led with the J♥. You must follow suit. Your hand holds the K♥; your visible pile shows the Q♥. Both beat the J♥.

strawman Puzzle #139

Which do you play?

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Answer

The Q♥ from the pile. Both cards win this trick for free, so spend the public one and flip a fresh card underneath. Keep the K♥’s four pips resting safe in your hand until you choose the moment to cash them; equal price always favors the table card.