Neither vulnerable. South deals.

Neither vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
J 10 8 7 4 2
K 7
9 2
A 7 2
WEST EAST
9 3 5
Q 10 6 5 9 4 2
K J 3 10 8 7 6 5 4
Q 10 6 5 9 8 3
SOUTH
A K Q 6
A J 8 3
A Q
K J 4
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
2 Pass 2 Pass
2NT Pass 3 Pass
4 Pass 6 Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Three of
Study the diagram above. Would you rather play or defend six spades after an opening lead of a trump?
After South's artificial game force and North's waiting response, two no trump showed a balanced 23-24 points. North transferred into spades and, when South showed a maximum with good trump support, wasted no time in contracting for 12 tricks.
Suppose you elect to play. You have a line that gives you about an 85 percent chance for the contract. Win the opening lead and draw the outstanding trump. Although you have finesse positions in all three side suits, you should spurn the heart finesse -- if it loses, you will need winning finesses in both the other suits. Instead, cash the king and ace of hearts and ruff a heart. If the queen comes down you can claim the slam; if not, you can still try both finesses in the other suits. If either wins, you are home. But this is not your day. Both lose and you go down a trick.
However, you were right to declare. Suppose, instead of the line you selected, after drawing trumps and cashing the king of hearts, you lead a low heart and simply cover any card East plays. West wins, but you still have finesse positions in all three side suits. No matter which suit West returns, he gives you the fulfilling trick. Try it.
& copy; 2007 Tribune Media Services
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