Hand
of the Fortnight
You (East) are in 3NT.
The bidding was 1NT – 3NT with no
interference.
South (an experienced player ..... again!) leads
CK. North appears to discourage Clubs. Plan your play with these 2
hands.
West:
East:
S: A 8 5
S: Q J
6
H: J 9 3
H: A
Q
D: A Q 8 6 5
D: K 9 4 3 2
C: 8 7
C: A J
4
Q: DID YOU TAKE THE CK
WITH CA IMMEDIATELY?
|
Main
Points: 1) This works sometimes
but is usually not the best option. 2) If the later Spade finesse FAILS, North can send a Club (or 2) through your J4 endangering your contract severely! 3) At the very least, clear the opponents’ Diamonds (2 or 3 rounds) to end up in Dummy. Lead H3 to finesse North for the HK. Even if this fails, you have South on lead rather than North – thus protecting your CJ. 4) Keep a Diamond to cheaply get back to dummy to cash the HJ if South takes your HQ with the HK. |
Main
Points: 1) If South continues
Clubs, you are guaranteed
2 Club tricks. 2) If South leads a Spade, you soon know where the SK is. If North had this, North’s Club return does not hurt the cause as you now have 2 Spade tricks, 1 Heart trick, 5 Diamonds and 1 Club trick. 3) If South leads a Heart (unknowingly giving you a free finesse), you can now afford the Spade finesse later as you still have control of Clubs. 4) If South switches to a (safe) Diamond exit, clear the opponents’ Diamonds (2 or 3 rounds) to end up in Dummy. Lead H3 to finesse North for the HK. Even if this fails, you have South on lead rather than North – protecting your CJ. |
Summary: Keep North off lead by trying the Heart finesse before touching the Spades. This way you get 5 Diamond tricks, 1 Spade, 2 Hearts and 1 Club at least.
“KEEPING CONTROL IN NO TRUMPS.” (As in No. 4)
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