Why did he play it this way?

[SimonFa]

I've just been watching the latest of Gavin Wolpert's excellent videos on Bridge Winners and was intersted in why his partner made a play in hearts the way he did (about 3:50 in). The hands are:

 

Gavin (Dummy)

 

♠J84

♥74

♦J752

♣T943

 

Joel

 

♠2

♥AJ82

♦AQ9

♣AKQ75

 

 

Edit: Bidding, dealer South, Joel West-

 

(P) 1C* (P) (p)

(1S) X (2S) (3C)

(P) 3H (P) 4C

All pass

 

*From the commentary 1C could be 18/19 balanced or stronger unbalanced

 

 

Contract 4♣, MPs, WvW

 

1. ♠A 4 6 2

2. ♠3 8 9 ♣5

3. ♣A 8 3 2

 

 

At this point Gavin explains why Joel needs to duck a heart before cashing a 2nd trump. I understand why Joel has to be wary of a 3:1 trump break but why does he shiould duck a heart first:

 

4. ♥2 3 7 9

 

rather than play ♥A then low?

 

Is this some form of safety play I should be aware of?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Simon

Edited September 1, 2011 by SimonFa

[BunnyGo]

Out of curiosity, what was the auction? For some reason my computer has decided to stop running these specific videos. I need to steal my wife's laptop every time I want to watch one.

[manudude03]

The main danger is that if you play the ace first, the opponents might play a third heart and score a trump trick with the Jack (if North was say 3532). Playing low first leaves declarer in control.

[vuroth]

The main danger is that if you play the ace first, the opponents might play a third heart and score a trump trick with the Jack (if North was say 3532). Playing low first leaves declarer in control.

 

This. Your plan is concede heart, win return, draw trumps, AH, H ruff.

 

If you cash the AH first, they might win the second round of hearts, and lead a third round and overruff you.