Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

x9 6 2

uJ 10

v7 5 4

wQ J 8 6 3

WEST EAST

xK 7 5 4 xJ 10 8 3

uK 6 u8 7 5 4 3 2

vK Q J 10 6 v9

w9 2 w10 4

SOUTH

xA Q

uA Q 9

vA 8 3 2

wA K 7 5

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2w 2v Pass Pass

2NT Pass 3NTPass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: King of v

There is no play more tempting than the simple finesse — it is the easiest way to gain a trick. If you like fulfilling contracts, however, try searching for greener pastures.

Since South’s bid was an artificial game force, there was no need for North to steal a level of bidding with his balanced near-yarborough. South’s rebid was natural, showing a balanced 23-34 points, and the normal three-no-trump contract was reached in short order.

West led the king of diamonds and declarer, looking at eight fast tricks, had the choice of finessing in either major for his ninth. Which should he choose?

Oddly enough, you should claim your contract! The location of the major-suit kings is irrelevant! The contract is laydown as long as West holds no more that five diamonds.

It costs nothing to allow West to win the first trick. Win the diamond continuation (there is no better defense), cash just as many club tricks as necessary to exhaust the defenders’ cards in the suit, then cash the ace of diamonds and exit with a diamond.

West can take his diamonds to complete the defensive book, but then must break a major. No matter whether he leads a spade or a heart, he must present you with the fulfilling trick.

Note that, had you decided to take either major-suit finesse, you would have presented West with the setting trick.

2009 Tribune Media Services