During a disastrous session where I played like a beginner I actually had one hand on which my partner said “well played”.  Maybe he was being kind to bolster my morale.  In the deal I was faced with this suit combination and needed four tricks for maximum result.

I could see three ways of playing:

a)      Lead ªQ

                 i.            If it is not covered presumably East will win ªK then you have to play for spades 3-3.  If East does not win repeat the finesse to cater for ªK 10 x x or ªK 9 x x with West.

               ii.            If it is covered then win ªA and play ªJ.  That succeeds whenever spades are 3-3 and also when ª10 or ª9 drops on the second round

b)      Lead ª3 and finesse ªJ.  If East wins ªK it has the advantage of simplicity since the continuation is automatic but does not improve on i) in my opinion but the program “SuitPlay” gives it as the best line so I may have missed something.  If East does not win ªK repeat the finesse unless West plays ªK on ªQ.

c)      Lead ª2 from dummy.  If East plays low you play ªQ

Which is the best to make four tricks?  By my calculations lines a) and b) are 52% while c) is 47%.  The difference arises when West holds ªK 10 x x or ªK 9 x x (9.7%). 

 At the table I used c) as East was the danger hand and I wanted West on lead first.  West, with ªK 9 x x ducked, a clever play and nearly 100% safe as I would hardly ever play the “anti-Grosvenor” of finessing ªJ.  As a result I was reduced to squeezing West at the end.