#6 East West Vulnerable
North East South West
1♣ Pass 1♠ Pass
2♠ Pass 4♠ AP
West leads the ♦3.
What’s South’s plan?
North (Dummy)
♠ A 4 3 2
♥ J 4 3 2
♦ A 8
♣ K Q 4
West East
♠ ♠
♥ ♥
♦ 3 ♦
♣ ♣
South (Declarer)
♠ K Q J 10 9
♥ Q 8 6
♦ Q 2
♣ A J 9
As South, considering diamonds in isolation, play low at trick one. However, looking at the whole hand, you should notice that you have a never-ever heart suit. You would much rather the opponents lead hearts! So use your diamond suit as a throw-in suit once you strip the hand. Win the ♦A, draw trumps, strip clubs and exit the ♦Q. Whoever wins the trick must either give declarer a ruff and sluff or lead hearts. If given a ruff and sluff, discard a heart from the shorter heart side – South.
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