Exercise 4V69 Main

Drop It or Finesse?

by Richard Pavlicek

As declarer in 3 NT, how would you play each suit holding for the most tricks?

1. 3 NT A 7 6 5
Table
N or S leads Q J 3 2

What is your play?

A. Win the ace
B. Lead low to the queen
C. Lead the queen

2. 3 NT A Q 7 6 5
Table
South leads J 4 3 2

What is your play?

A. Win the ace
B. Lead low to the queen
C. Lead the jack

3. 3 NT A Q 7 6 5
Table
South leads J 9 8 3 2

What is your play?

A. Win the ace
B. Lead low to the queen
C. Lead the jack

4. 3 NT A J 10 8
Table
South leads Q 4 3 2

What is your play?

A. Lead low to jack; later low to 10
B. Lead low to jack; later lead queen
C. Lead the queen

Exercise 4V69 Main Top Drop It or Finesse?

5. 3 NT A 10
Table
South leads K J 5 4 3

What is your play?

A. Win the ace and king
B. Win the ace then run the 10
C. Lead low to the 10

6. 3 NT A 3 2
Table
South leads K J 10 5 4

What is your play?

A. Win the ace and king
B. Win the ace then finesse the jack
C. Lead the jack

7. 3 NT A K 3 2
Table
South leads J 9 5 4

What is your play?

A. Win the ace and king
B. Lead the jack
C. Win the ace; later lead the jack

8. 3 NT A 10 3 2
Table
N or S leads K J 6 5 4

What is your play?

A. Win the ace and king
B. Win the ace then finesse the jack
C. Win the king then finesse the 10

Exercise 4V69 Main Top Drop It or Finesse?

9. 3 NT A 9
Table
South leads K Q 10 5

What is your play?

A. Win the ace, king and queen
B. Win the ace then finesse the 10
C. Lead low to the nine

10. 3 NT K 3 2
Table
N or S leads A Q 10 5

What is your play?

A. Win the ace, king and queen
B. Win the A-K then finesse the 10
C. Win the king then lead the 10

11. 3 NT A 2
Table
South leads K Q 10 5 4

What is your play?

A. Win the ace, king and queen
B. Win the ace then finesse the 10
C. Lead the 10

12. 3 NT A 10
Table
South leads K Q 5 4 3

What is your play?

A. Win the ace, king and queen
B. Win the ace then run the 10
C. Lead low to the 10

Exercise 4V69 Main Top Drop It or Finesse?