Bad breaks looming

[Fluffy]

[hv=pc=n&s=sakj53ha6dq8642c5&n=st8hjdajt7cat8742&d=n&v=b&b=13&a=pp1sp1np2dp3dp3hp4cdpprp4hp4sp5dp6dppp]266|200[/hv]

 

The bidding is a bit pushy.

 

♣9 is led, RHO plays ♣6 under the ace.

 

Perhaps not best but you start with a heart to hand (collecting 2 and 3), and a low diamond, LHO plays ♦K on this trick, RHO ♦3. What's the plan?

 

 

If you cash another diamond LHO pitchs ♣4

 

[PhilKing]

I've got a feeling this will end in tears when RHO has the stiff ♠Q.

[cnszsun]

We would have been in a better position if we ruffed a club before playing 2nd trump. Now, I see no better option other than clearing trump and spade ace, spade 10.

[MrAce]

At this point clear the trumps and play the spades in a way to maximize your chances.

 

A-spade A and then run spade T

 

B- small spade to T

 

when suit is 4-2 it doesn't matter how you play it.

 

When it is 5-1 cashing the A first covers 9xxxx-Q, Q-9xxxx but fails when Qxxxx-9 or 9-Qxxxx

Playing to T wins when one has stiff 9 and when LHO has stiff Q, loses only when RHO has stiff Q.

 

If i am not missing something playing small to T is better. So Phil got it right imo.

[GreenMan]

When it is 5-1 cashing the A first covers 9xxxx-Q, Q-9xxxx but fails when Qxxxx-9 or 9-Qxxxx

Playing to T wins when one has stiff 9 and when LHO has stiff Q, loses only when RHO has stiff Q.

 

If i am not missing something playing small to T is better. So Phil got it right imo.

 

I would think that given the auction and play so far (RHO has ♣KQJx(x) and ♦xxx, leaving LHO only 2 or 3 minor-suit cards), spades 1-5 is impossible. So the only cases where it matters are stiff 9 and stiff Q in RHO. Seems like a tossup to me.

[PhilKing]

I would have ruffed a club at trick 4 and claimed - I was just blowing smoke!

 

But I still suspect it ended in tears. B-)

[MrAce]

I would think that given the auction and play so far (RHO has ♣KQJx(x) and ♦xxx, leaving LHO only 2 or 3 minor-suit cards), spades 1-5 is impossible. So the only cases where it matters are stiff 9 and stiff Q in RHO. Seems like a tossup to me.

 

I admit i ignored the bidding. Just scrolled down the bidding box to see the final contract.

 

You made a very good point. So did Phil, as it turns out i was missing more than just the bidding.

[Fluffy]

I would have ruffed a club at trick 4 and claimed - I was just blowing smoke!

 

But I still suspect it ended in tears. B-)

 

EDIT: Damn missed this one :(, just give up a club

 

Anyway, what's the % play in spades give th lie out in the minors?