Exercise 4A29 Main

The Finesse Is On!

by Richard Pavlicek

What is usually the best play of each suit holding at notrump?
You may lead from either hand unless stated otherwise.
Assume second hand (West or East) follows with a low card.

1. NT win 5 Q J 8 7 2
Table

A 10 5 4 3

Lead the and play the

2. NT win max Q 10 5 4
Table
North leads first

A 8 3 2

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

3. NT win max K 10 9 6 4
Table

3 2

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

4. NT win max 4 3 2
Table

K J 8 5

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

Quit
Top The Finesse Is On!

5. NT win max Q 7 3 2
Table

J 9 6 5

Lead the and play the

6. NT win max A K 9 5 4
Table
South leads first

J 10 3 2

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

7. NT win 4 J 10 9 7 6
Table

A 4 3 2

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

8. NT win max A Q 3 2
Table
South leads both

10 6 5 4

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

Quit
Top The Finesse Is On!

9. NT win 6 Q 9 2
Table
North leads

A K 8 5 4 3

Lead the and play the

10. NT win max 5 4
Table

A K J 10 3 2

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

11. NT win 3 Q J 2
Table

K 5 4 3

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

12. NT win 4 A J 10 2
Table
North leads first

K 5 4 3

Lead the and play the then

Lead the and play the

Quit
Top The Finesse Is On!