[Jinksy]

Best line on this hand?

A972
KJT8
J75
52

Q43
A7
AQT842
76

Bidding (unopposed, both vul, N dealer)

P 1D*
1H** 2D
2N 3D

*F1 and unbalanced, 14+ points
**1H nat, unlimited

EW I later learned were very strong.

W leads the KC (standard leads), overtaken by the AC.
E returns the JS.

Take the reigns.

[CamHenry]

I have 8 top tricks (5♦, 2♥, ♠A) and need one more. The trump finesse would make this, but I think I can do better.

The main problem is with entries. I can set up a ♥ trick, but then I'd have no entry to it; I can take the ♥ finesse but if it loses I go worse off than if I eschew it. The more I think about it, the more I worry about the ♠ switch. If it's a singleton, I risk conceding a ♠ ruff; if it's from JTx(x) I need to duck; if it's from a doubleton I need to cover. If it's a singleton, though, LHO has declined to overcall with KTxxx/?/?/KQx(?), which may indicate he's got shorter spades.

I duck the SJ, unless W puts in the K. What next? Assuming RHO is on lead again, and he plays another spade, I run it to the A9 (unless it's the T, which I cover). If he switches to a ♣, I wait to see what comes back; if he switches to a ♦, I take the finesse.

[the_clown]

I would win the ♠Ace and play ♦J. Does it win or lose? If it loses what is returned?

[Jinksy]

Quote

I duck the SJ, unless W puts in the K. What next?

I would guess E plays a small S. W now puts in the K.

Quote

I would win the ♠Ace and play ♦J. Does it win or lose? If it loses what is returned?

It loses, W cashes the KS, plays a small C to the T, E plays third S which west ruffs for the setting trick.

This is on the actual hand, obviously – it doesn’t necessarily show what the best line is.

[CamHenry]

Jinksy, on 2013-April-05, 04:26, said:

<after ducking the ♠J>
I would guess E plays a small S. W now puts in the K.

Excellent, looks like I read the spade position. I win the ♠A, having come to 2 spade winners, 5 ♦, and 2♥: I therefore play ♦A and another, because then I'm home. Not sure this is the best line, but it works on the layout!

[Jinksy]

CamHenry, on 2013-April-05, 09:46, said:

Excellent, looks like I read the spade position. I win the ♠A, having come to 2 spade winners, 5 ♦, and 2♥: I therefore play ♦A and another, because then I'm home. Not sure this is the best line, but it works on the layout!

It works on the actual layout, but conceivably (based on what I've told you) W could have Kxx in D and still get his ruff. Doubt there's much you can sanely do to guard against that, though (AD AKH in case of QH dropping (which it does), risking a 2nd round ruff?).

[keylime]

RHO was very eager to overtake the club. Additionally, there was no 2♣ overcall to help you here (doesn't mean anything, LHO could be on a 13 point, five card club suit and chose not to bid). I'd win the AS and drop the AD and diamond exit.