NEIL HAYWARD BRIDGE

Contract: 3NT by South

Opening Lead: ♦8. How do you play this hand?

Recommended Line: If you follow the same instincts as a vast number of players, you will win the lead in hand and finesse in clubs. This leads to defeat if East wins and switches to a small heart. The defenders score three hearts, a spade and a club. To avoid this quite likely scenario, win the first trick in dummy, and lead a small spade. If East holds the ♠A, and takes it, you will win three spade tricks, and the contract is secure without having to take the club finesse. If West wins the first spade trick with the ♠A, you make just two spade tricks, but West cannot lead a heart without giving you two tricks in the suit. You have the breathing space to develop the club suit. If East holds the ♠A, and ducks, you win in hand and switch immediately to clubs, running the ♣8 if not covered. This loses, but you have your nine tricks. *