MSB

School of Bridge

Quiz11 The Danger hand - Question 1

Contract =3NT
Lead = ♠5, south playing the ♠Q

  • ♠AJ2
  • ♥AK6
  • ♦KJ876
  • ♣A3
  • ♠873
  • ♥QJ32
  • ♦A1043
  • ♣Q8

Do you win the first, second or 3rd round of spades?

The Answer

Win the 1st round. There is a danger that if you don't the opponents may switch to a club and if the ♣K is with North you will have to get the diamonds right to make your contract.

Which hand is the danger hand?

The Answer

As you are going to win the first trick then South becomes the danger hand. If North gets back on lead he cannot run the spades without giving you a trick with the Jack. If South gets the lead he can play a spade through your spade holding and North will make all his spades.

How do you play the diamonds?

The Answer

Cash the ♦A and play a small diamond towards West, if South plays low put in the ♦J. This protects against South having ♦Qxx. You may give an extra trick away, if North started with ♦Qx, but you ensure at least 10 tricks and your contract with 1 spade, 4 hearts, 4 diamonds and 1 club