Marked Finesse

Marked Finesse

K 9 3
N
W   E
 
S
A 10 5

A 'marked' finesse is one where we know the location of the opponent card that we can finesse against.

We are in 3NT, and West's opening lead was 2. We played low from dummy and East's jack was covered by our ace. West's fourth-highest lead indicates an honour, and it must be the queen.

Our threat card is the 9.

We should lead 5 and play the 9 when West plays low.