Playhand 28

A 10
Q 8 6
A 9 7 4
10 6 3 2
 
N
W E
S
 
9 6 5 2
A K 4
K 3
K Q J 9

 

Again you are South in 3NT, and you get a 4 lead. Can you make this contract?

You have to protect yourself against W having 5 cards in s and theA because if the s are 4-3 you only lose 4 tricks at most.

First consider the lead. If W held KQJ and a 5 card suit, the K would be led. So if s split 5-2, E holds a doubleton honour.

If you duck the first lead, W on winning, will play a second to knock out your A. and you are down if W holds the A. Instead go up with the A and the suit is blocked. Even if E is smart enough to unblock her honour under your A, your 10 and 9 together will provide a stop!

The clue is in the lead.