DON'T SLEEP

[gwnn]

[hv=d=s&v=n&n=sj4haq5dt965cq764&e=s753h82da8742ct53]266|200|Scoring: MP

1♣-1♠-x-2♠

x-p-3♣-p

3NT-p-p-p[/hv]

 

♠T (standard) lead to the Jack

small diamond from dummy...

 

opps are unpredictable, they don't know what either double shows

[MFA]

No, I just can't fly A. I will crash partner's honour too often, and if I do so that trick won't come back. Declarer is likely either 3433 or 3424 and therefore probably has 18-19 and it is all about overtricks. Yes declarer could have ♠AQx and ♦QJ for instance, but I can't win them all.

[pooltuna]

No, I just can't fly A. I will crash partner's honour too often, and if I do so that trick won't come back. Declarer is likely either 3433 or 3424 and therefore probably has 18-19 and it is all about overtricks. Yes declarer could have ♠AQx and ♦QJ for instance, but I can't win them all.

can partner stand the squeeze of ♣s with that holding

[MFA]

No, I just can't fly A. I will crash partner's honour too often, and if I do so that trick won't come back. Declarer is likely either 3433 or 3424 and therefore probably has 18-19 and it is all about overtricks. Yes declarer could have ♠AQx and ♦QJ for instance, but I can't win them all.

can partner stand the squeeze of ♣s with that holding

Well, yes, he will have to discard a spade or two, but 3NT will only make 9 or 10 if I take the ♦A now. If I duck declarer will make 11 tricks. (AQx, Jxxx, QJ, AKJx)

[bluecalm]

There are many layouts where declarer is trying to steal 9th trick (2♠ + 4♣ + 2♥ if partner has ♥KT/♥KJ or 2♠ + 3♣ + 3♥ if partner has ♣A/K).

 

Playing A♦ only costs if declarer has ♦KJx and AK of clubs.

 

I think playing A♦ is better.

[MFA]

I'm not scared of partner having ♣K. Either there is no harm done by ducking the diamond or declarer would typically have taken a club finesse instead of playing diamonds.

 

If partner has ♣A, declarer would often have attacked clubs first, and most certainly if he is 3424.

 

♦A also loses to ♦QJx and ♦KJ. And if declarer doesn't have specifically ♠AQx, going up in diamonds is often pointless.

 

I still think I can't rise with ♦A here, even though it could be right to do so.

[kenrexford]

Damn shame partner didn't redouble 2♠. Seems like a good situation for a "Smith Echo Double" to me.

 

That said, ducking the Ace is hopeless.

[ONEferBRID]

Why is almost everyone giving Declarer A Q x of ♠;

why can't he have K x x ?

 

I too believe Declarer is trying to steal a 9th trick.

He may have the K Q of ♦... and hopes West has the ♦A.

 

Fly up with the ♦A and return a ♠ .

[gwnn]

I wasn't sleeping

 

and gave away the contract when I gobbled up my partner's stiff K.

 

Declarer had 3433 (AKx of spades) with 14 points. I told you they were unpredictable ;)