Can you do better?

[Mbodell]

This hand from San Diego was both my worst declared and most costly hand from the nationals. You are in the first session of the finals of the 0-5000 blue ribbons when this hand comes up.

 

[hv=d=s&v=n&n=sakj9hak852d5c863&s=st432h4daqj2ct542]133|200|Scoring: MP

P - 1♦ - 2♦ (Michaels) - P

3♠ - P - 4♠ - P

P - P[/hv]

 

Opening lead is the ♥Q. Partner is a spade short for her bid, but I like her bid and you've ended up in a pretty reasonable 22 point game. Plan the play.

[DWM]

Winners off the top

 

2 spades

2 hearts

1 club

 

Need to find 5 more tricks

 

From the bidding West is more likely to have a high card than East

 

Options for additional tricks.

 

QJ of diamonds, either fin or ruffing fin.

extra some in spades

ruff 2 hearts, hope for a 3-4 break and play the 5th

 

Dangers

 

3 losers in clubs, 4-1 (5-0) split in spades with Q in long suit

 

If hearts are played on first S needs to drop 2 clubs to give 3 losers

If going for diamonds first N only needs to drop 1 club to give 3 losers

 

Probably best to play AK of spades first then cross to AD and play the QJ ruffing if the K is played, otherwise drop a club. To cross back play a second heart first then ruff one.

 

This relies on spades 3-2, hearts 4-3 and diamond K in west.

 

Winners

 

2 top spades, 3 ruffs (2 hearts and one diamond), 2 top hearts, 5th heart, 2 diamonds.