Board 03

Board 03

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

Dealer:

South

Vuln:

E/W

W N E S
1
Pass 2 Pass 3
Pass 4 End

Contract:

4 by South

Lead:

A

When dummy is revealed, declarer's worse worries are confirmed – the QJ are worthless. West continues with K and another heart. Declarer needs three diamond tricks to make the contract, so must finesse twice. Since there is a club entry for the second finesse, declarer ruffs the third heart round, draws trumps ending in hand, and takes the first finesse by leading a low diamond to the jack. This wins because West holds the king. Now declarer can return to hand with A and repeat the diamond finesse by leading to the queen.

Declarer loses just two hearts and a club.

Note that finessing only once gains nothing, since two diamond tricks are available without finessing.