An Extra Chance

[lamford]

[hv=pc=n&s=sakthakdaq872cq76&n=sj9432hq98dk5cajt]133|200[/hv]

Contract 6NT by South (rotated for convenience). Lead ♥J. IMPs converted into VPS on simple scale.

 

East plays the two on the first round, normal count in theory. How would you play?

[zenbiddist]

[hv=pc=n&s=sakthakdaq872cq76&n=sj9432hq98dk5cajt]133|200[/hv]

Contract 6NT by South (rotated for convenience). Lead ♥J. IMPs converted into VPS on simple scale.

 

East plays the two on the first round, normal count in theory. How would you play?

 

I suppose it comes down to the sequence I test suits, presuming lefty will put a club through prematurely.

 

If I cash a top spade, then cross to DK to hook a spade, lefty might play a club out, and I have to commit. Losing a premature club hook would feel stupid when diamonds are three three, or queen-doubleton spade was dropping.

 

If instead I cash two top spades and then try for three three diamonds, then pump a third spade (presuming no luck), I feel silly when rightly has queen-third spade, queen-fourth diamond and the club hook was working.

 

I'm no good at figuring out odds. The second line feels better but my instincts are young. Any help someone? Did I miss something?

[wanoff]

Unblock the top heart and play 3 rounds of spades. If west wins this and returns a club, you win and need a diamond break or squeeze.

If East wins, it's a diamond break or squeeze/club finesse.

[Kaitlyn S]

I win and put the ♣Q on the table. If it loses, I have 2 entries. I can try for 3-3 diamonds and then a spade to the 10 (of course I cashed a high spade early.)

 

If the ♣Q gets covered, I promote spades.

 

If the ♣Q wins, I promote spades. Of course I unblock hearts first.

 

I think I make when the club king is onside or holds up once, and gave the best shot when the club king wins a fast trick for the defense.