Exercise 4C53 Main

Key Plays at Notrump

by Richard Pavlicek

As South, answer each question about the play.

1.
Both Vul A 9 3
Q 3
10 4 3 2
A 7 5 3
Lead: 10 Table

K 7 6 4
A K 2
Q J
3 NT South K 6 4 2

How many top tricks?

Which two suits do you plan to establish?

What is the key play?

A. Duck a club first
B. Duck a spade first
C. Lead a diamond first

2.
None Vul Q 8 2
10 7
A 8 7 6 3
K 5 4
Lead: 4 Table

A K 3
A 6 5
K 2
3 NT South Q 10 9 8 3

How many top tricks?

On which round do you win the A? (1 2 3)

What is the key play?

A. Lead the 10 and let it ride
B. Lead the 3 to the king then finesse the 10
C. Win the K and duck a diamond

Exercise 4C53 Main Top Key Plays at Notrump

3.
Both Vul 7 6 3
K 9 5
J 9 5
A K 9 8
Lead: 3 Table

K 5
A 8 2
A K Q 2
3 NT South 6 5 4 2

How many top tricks?

Which defender is more dangerous?

What is the key play?

A. Lead the 2 and finesse the eight
B. Try to duck a club to West
C. Lead a spade to your king

4.
E-W Vul K Q J 2
7 4
8 7 6 2
A K 2
Lead: J Table

A 6
A K 6 2
A K 3
6 NT South Q 9 7 3

How many top tricks?

Do you Win the first trick or Duck? (W D)

What is the key play?

A. Lead the 3
B. Cash the A-K; if both defenders follow up-the-line, lead the 3
C. Run the spades and clubs

Exercise 4C53 Main Top Key Plays at Notrump

5.
N-S Vul 6 5
9 2
A K J 10 9
7 5 4 2
Lead: 5 Table

K 10 9 2
A K
Q 5 3
3 NT South A Q 6 3

How many top tricks?

Should you run the diamond suit first?

What is the key play?

A. Take the club finesse
B. Lead the 5 and finesse the nine
C. Lead the 5 to the king

6.
E-W Vul K J 10
K 8
A K J 5
A 7 5 4
Lead: 2 Table

9 6 5
J 7 4
8 4 2
3 NT South K Q J 2

How many top tricks?

Which heart do you play from dummy?

What is the key play?

A. Lead the 5 to the jack
B. Lead the 5 to the king then take the diamond finesse
C. Lead the 2 and finesse the jack

Exercise 4C53 Main Top Key Plays at Notrump