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.
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.
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.
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