[lxt08]

hi all

I BBO ID lxt08

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N lead HK

Declare how to make?

[RGranville]

I almost certainly need ♠K and ♦AQ onside. I can't even see any realistic extra chances on an elimination. I win with ♥A and run ♠Q. If trumps are 2-1 I win the second round in dummy and immediately play a diamond to ♦J. If this holds, I re-enter dummy in trumps and play another diamond. If trumps are 3-0 onside, then I'll need to broach diamonds before drawing trumps.

I don't like the 3♠ bid, while going on to 4♠ is even worse.

[nige1]

lxt08, on 2013-July-26, 17:36, said:

N lead HK

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Another possible line: Win ♥A. Finesse and draw trumps, (assumed 2-1). Lead another ♥ and ruff the probable ♥ continuation. Play ♣A and another. Ruff the probable ♣ continuation. Cross to dummy in trumps and lead a ♦ and judge what to do from what high cards each opponent has played, so far. For example, you may decide to go up ♦K and play LHO for ♦Q singleton or doubleton.

The bidding is brave but game prospects would improve if the partnership held ♥J or ♦9.

This post has been edited by nige1: 2013-August-25, 13:00

[RGranville]

nige1, on 2013-August-24, 19:37, said:

Another possible line: Win ♥A and lead another. Ruff the probable ♥ continuation. Play ♣A and another. Ruff the probable ♣ continuation. Finesse and draw trumps, ending in dummy. Lead a ♦ and judge what to do from what high cards each opponent has played, so far. For example, you may decide to go up ♦K and play LHO for ♦Q singleton or doubleton.

The bidding is brave but game prospects would improve if the partnership held ♥J or ♦9.

I did consider this, but didn't want to go down if North started with ♠Kx and a singleton diamond. With that holding and strong holdings in the other suits he might not have led his singleton at trick 1.

[nige1]

RGranville, on 2013-August-25, 01:48, said:

I did consider this, but didn't want to go down if North started with ♠Kx and a singleton diamond. With that holding and strong holdings in the other suits he might not have led his singleton at trick 1.

RGranville is right and I've amended my original suggestion, to draw trumps first. Although you may have to guess RHO's shape in the ending, I think the end-play possibilities on LHO are adequate compensation (e.g. LHO may have doubeton ♣KQ).