3NT problem 2

[Rossoneri]

[hv=d=s&v=n&n=sq943hj53djt96c87&s=saj62hqt64dakcaq2]133|200|Scoring: IMP[/hv]

 

A bit of deja-vu a day later from problem 1. 2NT opening and partner places 3NT on the table. Lead is ♥9. East takes the first 2 tricks with ♥AK and returns a 3rd ♥. How do you continue?

[lmilne]

We have 6 top tricks. Seems like we want to establish 2 extra spade tricks and a trick in the minors.

 

If we win in dummy and hook the spade jack, then we make immediately when RHO has Kx of spades (3 extra tricks from spades). If the hook loses, then we have two entries to dummy to establish and cash a diamond trick whenever spades break 3-2 or 4-1 with the ten onside. On a diamond/spade return, cash the top diamonds and go to dummy to lead the jack of diamonds, establishing our ninth trick (3 spades, 2 hearts, 3 diamonds, 1 club).

 

If RHO has Kxx of spades (LHO having Tx), the better line would be spade to the ace, AK♦, jack of spades, overtaking when the ten appears. Now a non-club return lets us establish the diamonds again. On a club return, we need to hook. This line also picks up stiff king offside, with club finesse to take for our ninth trick.

 

Best line to me seems to be win and hook the jack. We avoid going off needlessly when RHO has Kx and returns a club from small cards (which spade to the ace followed by the jack risks). If RHO has KTx of spades, neither line has an advantage (RHO can just duck the jack of spades). Finally, if RHO has Kxx of spades, we still have the club finesse to fall back on, which we need to make legitimately on that layout anyway.