What do you return?

[Hanoi5]

X-Imps

[hv=pc=n&s=sq986h98da9ckjt84&w=s5hqj74dqj7542cq3&d=e&v=b&b=10&a=pp3d3nppp]266|200[/hv]

 

Partner leads the ♦8, to the 9, J and K. Declarer continues with the ♣A and another club to the eight, partner showing an even number of clubs (If he's telling the truth). After winning the ♣Q, what do you play at this point?

[rmnka447]

Count declarer's tricks! Declarer has the ♦ K (already won), ♦ A,4 ♣ tricks set up in dummy. The 3 NT bid probably shows 16-17+ balanced or semi balanced at this vulnerability. Declarer has already shown ♦ K and ♣ A -- 7 points. Missing honors at this point are ♠ AKJ and ♥ AK.

 

If declarer holds both As and a K, or ♥ AK and ♠ K, there's no hope of beating the contract. So you must play partner for an A and a K minimum.

 

If that's the case, you need to set up tricks in a hurry before opener can develop a 9th trick. ♠s show no hope as dummy's ♠ Q98x will always provide a second stopper.

 

So your only hope is to find partner with something like ♥ A10x(x..) or K10xx(..) to go along with a high ♠ honor. To retain the lead if declarer holds the ♥ K, switch to the ♥ Q.