Combination question

[vuroth]

A432 opp KJ98

 

The book answer was something different, but I led the king, then when both followed crossed outside the suit and led up to the J.

 

Am I missing something, or does this work for 3 tricks?

[dburn]

It works for three tricks, but gives up any chance of making four, which is why the book will tell you to cash the king and then lead the eight, running it if not covered. This is also safe for three tricks, but secures a fourth when LHO has the doubleton queen.

 

The combination is interesting in that there are three ways to play it, each of which is "correct" depending on circumstances. If you need four tricks, you should cash the ace and play to the jack. If you need three, you should play as described above. At matchpoints, unless you judge that you will score well for making a safe three tricks, you should lead low to the jack without first cashing the ace.