What layout do you fear most?

[Jinksy]

[hv=pc=n&w=shkqj4dkt7cakq854&e=st854h3dqj843ct32&d=n&v=0&b=1&a=pp1sd2sp4s5cppdppp]266|200[/hv]

 

a) Do you agree with W's bidding (systemically X-then bid shows 18+)

 

b)

 

N leads the 9S, which you ruff. Both follow with pips to the first round of trumps. What's the best line from here?

[billw55]

I do not agree with west's bidding. Double and bid is all well and good, but at the 5 level when partner likely has a yarb? And with decent prospects defending 4♠ on top of it.

 

If I draw trump now and they are 3-1, they could hold up the ♦A twice, and then I also lose two hearts. Or if I go after a heart ruff, they might be able to ruff a diamond. Considering they bid 4♠ on 19 points, the diamond stiff seems likely, but in that case both lines fail anyway.

 

So I think I will play another trump, and then a heart whether they break or not. Works when 2-2, or when the ♦A is stiff or dub, or when they fail to hold up twice, or when the player with the ♥A also has a stiff trump. (This last is a good chance considering south's bidding.)

[robert2734]

I play for 3-2 diamonds. One round of trump and then the king of hearts. If they don't win and play ace of diamond diamod ruff I'm home ruffing the low heart.

[eagles123]

obviously I know the hand but I think W should x again over 4s rather than bid 5c, you have tolerance for all other suits and 5c suggests just a blinding single suiter

[SteveMoe]

The problem at the 5-level all but disappears if you overcall 2 ♣ and prepare to double 4♠. Now we involve partner in the final decision.