BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

You are South, declarer in 4 ♠ . West leads the ♣ K, which you win in dummy. Plan the play.

Lead a low trump and finesse the ♠ J. This is a safety play against the strong possibility of a 3-1 trump break. If you cash the ♠ aK and the queen doesn’t drop, either defender will be able to ruff in when you try to run dummy’s diamonds, then cash three hearts.

If east started with the ♠ Qxxx, you will see it on the first round when your ♠ J wins, and you can afford one diamond to return to dummy to repeat the finesse. If east is void in trumps, you will see that also. It’s best to let West’s ♠ Q win while he can’t damage you with a heart switch. The same applies if either defender started with ♠ Qxx. Safety first is a good motto.