Trumpace

The main point of the problem was to try and make inferences from the lead (an attempt to post more 'bread and butter' hands :-)) I disagree with inquiry that the lack of club lead is 'slightly' suggestive. There is no strong indication of a trump lead being required (maybe I am wrong here, though). Leading a trump from Kxx might give away a trick, and if LHO does not have K of diamond, he will likely have AKQ of clubs... Not leading a club is a good indication that LHO does not hold both A and K, IMO. This pretty much maps out most of the cards. The D lead now indicates that the diamonds are Kxx with LHO and the key point now becomes keeping East off the lead twice. The CT helps in that situation, as noted earlier.

Not just that, bluecalm also seems to be ignoring the possibility of _not_ getting a heart lead from some of the four card holdings he talks about (even though a heart lead seems to be called for, some might choose a passive lead because of the bad 4 card suit, of course feel free to call BS on this :-)).

They cash their DK, 2 Clubs, HA and play back a heart, eventually making the SQ.

Boring?

[hv=pc=n&s=sakj6h974dat62cT3&n=s875hkqjdqj975c85&d=s&v=0&b=11&a=1d1n2dppp]266|200|Lead ♦ 3[/hv] 1NT overcall showed 16-18 points. Scoring is Matchpoints. LHO starts off with the ♦3 lead. (RHO will follow with ♦8). Plan the play. Adv/+ please refrain from spoiling too soon.

♦ to Q to play ♥ towards A8 seems to work...

Why is there, a mention of ACBL in the title of this thread?

Actually it will probably take longer to work out the conditions than to play it out. Doesn't the hand play itself? You only have to watch for a couple of cards to show up.

Maybe the 3S bid?

Keen eye!

What is the contract?

A diamond lead is completely insane, IMO.

Hi, I see that you just joined recently. Welcome :-) When people present a hand in this forum, they have the option of specifying the scoring. In this case the scoring was specified as MP (to the left of the hand), which is MatchPoints, so overtricks are important.

Great theme from a great book which along with it's sequel have helped me not to feel like a dufus playing declarer :unsure: The trick is to visualize and recognize this theme at the table and that certainly isn't easy, especially in a setting where you have to play rather quickly. I have seen this theme before but will admit :rolleyes: that I wasn't alert enough to spot it here (obviously I forgot this problem from this book I'd recommend to all B/I). Seriously, I must say that in no way is this a B/I problem but then again while most of the playing problems posted here are fine, many are too tough even for most of BBOF's B/I talent. .. neilkaz .. At the table, absolutely agree about the toughness, this is a hand which I suppose even a few experts might get wrong. Away from the table, I think this is too instructive a hand not to be in the B/I forum. Besides, I did say that Adv/+ can give hints if they think they are needed.

Giving up 2 trump tricks gives up the contract. Why?

It is east who has the ♦AQ. Sorry, read it wrong :) I think my line if play is still correct though as East is the favorite to hold the Ace. The tough part will come if west overtakes with the ace. Now what to do on the next lead -- play for the drop or the finesse. What kind of hand does LHO have for doubling 4S?

It is east who has the ♦AQ.

You are South, you hold KQT983 KQJ 3 A43 RHO is dealer and opens 1D. You double. LHO preempts to 4D. Partner doubles. RHO passes. You bid 4S. LHO doubles! Passed out. LHO leads the ♦T and you see [hv=d=e&v=n&n=s72hat983d64ck652&s=skqt983hkqjd3ca43]133|200|Scoring: IMP Lead ♦T. Contract 4♠ doubled.[/hv] RHO wins the ♦Q and continues with ♦A which you ruff. Plan the play. (As usual Adv/+ please don't spoil early. Feel free to give hints, though).

Correct. This is one of the many hands where just counting our and declarer's tricks leads you to the right defense.

Well done! I think you have it right (I didn't verify the math, though).

Agree with wclass.

Grr... You ought to be whipped with Orion's belt.

I don't see anything better than A and low to J.

Perhaps you should create a poll... Also, what about also granting the same acumen to partner? :( Bidding/Defense prowess might turn useless if partner is not in on it.

I have edited the hand to make it correct. I had the ♦K in the wrong hand initially. Adding a new reply to bump the post, just in case a few of you read the older version.