As South, you are declarer in 6 on each deal. Can you find the winning play?In each case assume the missing trumps divide 2-1.
You win A, ruff 3 and draw trumps.What next?
The only problem on this deal is a bad diamond break, and a neat endplay will ensure your success. Win the A and ruff a club; draw the enemy trumps; cross to dummy with a heart (not a diamond!), and ruff the last club.
The key play now is to cash one top diamond in your hand, then exit with a heart. Whoever wins must lead a diamond (else give you a ruff and discard), and you simply play second hand low to guarantee picking up the diamonds. No lie of the cards can defeat you.
You win A, K and A.What next?
The problem here is not to rely on the club finesse, and again you can ensure your contract with the proper technique. Win the K and draw trumps in two rounds. Next cash the A and ruff a diamond to eliminate that suit.
West’s opening lead places East with the Q-J. You are now ready for an endplay: Lead a heart and finesse the nine which East must win — and you can claim! Whether East returns a heart, a diamond or a club, this will give you an extra trick and the contract.
East plays 2 on first spade lead.
Normally, with 10 cards missing the king, the proper play is to take the finesse. In this case, however, you should refuse the 50-percent finesse in favor of an endplay that offers a greater chance. Win the K and lead the Q (in case East covers) but win the ace regardless.
Assuming the K does not drop, cash the A and win all the clubs (overtaking the Q) before exiting with a trump. Whoever wins must lead a heart — then you will make your contract whenever the Q-J are in different hands.
© 1995 Richard Pavlicek