Deal 53
 
 
 
♠  
 
 
♣  
 
 WEST  NORTH  EAST  SOUTH
1NT
pass2NTpass BID 
 

The bidding has gone as shown.
Decide what you would say, then click on BID above.
  ♠ Q J 4
Q J 3
K Q J 2
♣ A J 5
 

 
Deal 53
 
 
 
♠ 6 2
A 10 9
10 6 5
♣ K Q 7 6 4
 
 WEST  NORTH  EAST  SOUTH
1NT
pass2NTpass3NT
passpasspass

Partner's 2NT bid invites you to bid game if you have a maximum hand.
You aren't thrilled by all the Quacks in your hand but with 17 points you bid 3NT.

Click NEXT to continue.
  ♠ Q J 4
Q J 3
K Q J 2
♣ A J 5
 

 
Deal 53
 
3NT
OL: ♠5
♠ 6 2
A 10 9
10 6 5
♣ K Q 7 6 4
  South plays 3NT. West leads the ♠5.
East wins the first trick with the ♠K and returns the ♠9.
West plays the ♠3 under your ♠J.

Make a Plan, then click NEXT .
  ♠ Q J 4
Q J 3
K Q J 2
♣ A J 5
 

 
Deal 53
 
3NT
OL: ♠5
♠ 6 2
A 10 9
10 6 5
♣ K Q 7 6 4
  Winner List: ♠ = 1 : = 1 : = 0 : ♣ = 5 :: Total = 7

You need 2 more tricks, and the suit will provide them after you drive out the A.

Is that what you should do?

 NEXT 
  ♠ Q J 4
Q J 3
K Q J 2
♣ A J 5
 

 
Deal 53
 
3NT
OL: ♠5
♠ 6 2
A 10 9
10 6 5
♣ K Q 7 6 4
  Winner List: ♠ = 1 : = 1 : = 0 : ♣ = 5 :: Total = 7

You need 2 more tricks, and the suit will provide them after you drive out the A.

Is that what you should do?


That is definitely NOT what you should do.
West led the ♠5, then played the ♠3 to the second trick. You have seen the ♠4 and ♠2 so it is clear that West started with a 5-card suit. That means East still has a ♠. The instant you play a one of the defenders will grab the A and West will take his three more ♠ tricks.

As much as you hate to put your contract in the hands of a 50% finesse chance, that is what you must do. Forget the suit and finesse West for the K, trying for two extra tricks in s.

 NEXT to see the full deal.
  ♠ Q J 4
Q J 3
K Q J 2
♣ A J 5
 

 
Deal 53
 
3NT
OL: ♠5
♠ 6 2
A 10 9
10 6 5
♣ K Q 7 6 4
  West played very well to duck the second ♠, leaving his partner with a ♠ in case he could get the lead.

So you have to play well and stay away from s.

Deal 54
♠ A 10 8 5 3
K 5
8 7 4 3
♣ 9 3
♠ K 9 7
8 7 6 4 2
A 9
♣ 10 8 2
  ♠ Q J 4
Q J 3
K Q J 2
♣ A J 5