Additional Precautions

North’s 1NT shows a balanced 16-18 points and stopper inspades. South’s 4♦, transfer to 4♥ is a trifle optimistic, but when an opponent has opened the bidding, it is often easier to pinpoint where the high-cards lie.

West leads the ♦K, taken by the ace. You cash the ♥A, West playing the Jack and continue with a second Heart. East rises with the ♥K and West discards a spade. East switches to the ♠7.

It is highly likely on the bidding that the ♣K will be with West but you should not just rely on that. A little care at this point will be rewarded. On ♠7 if you play low from hand. West will insert the ♠10 to force out the Queen. When East comes in with the ♣K. A second spade will take you down.

To circumvent this defence, play your ♠K on East’s ♠7. If West ducks, you lose just one spade trick. If West wins with the ace and returns a spade, you with the Queen and draw East’s trump. Now when East wins with the ♣K, East has no spade to return to West and you can later discard your spade loser on dummy’s fourth club.

Even when the bidding makes it likely that a key finesse will win, do not pin all your hopes on that if additional precautions are available.

Blog          : http://www.hemadeora.blogspot.in

Twitter ID  : @HemaDeora