Deal 17
 
 
 
♠ Q J 9
K Q 10 5 4
9 4
♣ 8 6 3
 
 WEST  NORTH  EAST  SOUTH
1NT
pass2pass2
pass2NTpass3NT
passpasspass

North's 3 bid was a transfer to s, and his 2NT bid showed exactly 5 s with an invitational strength hand.
South is to play 3NT. West leads the ♠6, you play dummy's ♠9 and East contributes the ♠2.


Make a Plan, then click NEXT .
   
  ♠ A 7 5
J 7
A 10 8 6 3
♣ A K 5
 

 
Deal 17
 
   
OL: ♠6
♠ Q J 9
K Q 10 5 4
9 4
♣ 8 6 3
  South is to play 3NT. West leads the ♠6, you play dummy's ♠9 and East contributes the ♠2.

Winners:   ♠ = 2    = 0    = 1   ♣ = 2   Total = 5

The math is easy - you need 4 tricks. And you should be able to manage that by driving out the A. But the defenders will probably hold up one or two rounds when you play on s, so you must have an outside entry to dummy.

The ♠ Q J will provide that entry IF you make sure to win the first trick with your ♠A as an unblocking move. If you don't do so then West will be able to keep you out of the dummy and away from those good s.

Click NEXT to see the complete Deal.
   
  ♠ A 7 5
J 7
A 10 8 6 3
♣ A K 5
 

 
Deal 17
 
   
OL: ♠6
♠ Q J 9
K Q 10 5 4
9 4
♣ 8 6 3
  Suppose you allow dummy's ♠9 to hold the first trick, then start on s. East will hold up the A for 1 or 2 rounds. When he does win it he will return a ♠ and whether you play the ♠A or a low ♠ West will be able to prevent you from reaching dummy.

But if you win the first trick with the ♠A, then dummy's ♠ Q J will provide a guaranteed entry to the good s.

 Deal 18 
♠ K 10 8 6
9 6 3
Q 7 2
♣ J 9 2
♠ 4 3 2
A 8 2
K J 5
♣ Q 10 7 4
  ♠ A 7 5
J 7
A 10 8 6 3
♣ A K 5