BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

You are South, declarer in 3NT, against which North leads the ♥Q. What is your best line of play?

Your certain tricks are one heart, four diamonds, three clubs and one spade, once the ♠A has been knocked out. If West started with five hearts and the ♠A, there is nothing you can do about it. However, if East has the ♠A and, when he gets in with it, is unable to lead back a heart, all will be well.

Duck the heart lead twice, winning the third round.

You then lead a spade straight away, just in case West is asleep and ducks the first round, holding the ace!

If East should win it and be able to lead back another heart, the suit will have broken 4-4 and you’ll have no problems anyway.