Play 5-5
East West Vulnerable

East South West North
1♠     2♥        Pass   6♥
AP

West leads the ♠J.
What’s South’s plan?

North (Dummy)
♠ A
♥ Q 9 6 5 3 2
♦ A Q 8
♣ A J 7

West                                           
♠ J                                          
♥                          
♦                                
♣  

South (Declarer)
♠ 5 3 2
♥ A K J 10 7
♦ 7 6 5
♣ K 4

This is an “endplay” hand.

South has 11 HCP, North has 17 (28) which means E/W has 12 of which East must have at least 11 with the ♠J lead by West. Unfortunately, this means that both the diamond and club finesses are going to lose.

Plan B! Punish East for holding both of the honors. Win the opening lead, travel to South’s hand twice with trumps and trump out the remaining two spades. Now, cash the ♣AK and lead the ♣J. When East covers with the ♣Q, discard a diamond! East is now endplayed!

East can lead a diamond away from the ♦K into North’s ♦AQ or lead a spade giving declarer a sluff and ruff. If given a sluff and ruff, South should discard a second diamond and trump in North’s hand. In either scenario, declarer loses only one club – the ♣Q to East.

General Guideline: Add up high card points and determine where the outstanding points are – don’t take finesses that are destined to lose!

Take a look at the entire hand:

North (Dummy)
♠ A
♥ Q 9 6 5 3 2
♦ A Q 8
♣ A J 7

West                                       East
♠ J 10 9                                    ♠ K Q 8 7 6 4
♥  4                                           ♥ 8
♦  10 9 4 3                                ♦ K J 2
♣  10 8 6 3 2                            ♣ Q 9 5

South (Declarer)
♠ 5 3 2
♥ A K J 10 7
♦ 7 6 5
♣ K 4

Let me hear your comments!

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