[mikeh]

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Top bracket KO, against one of the weaker teams in the bracket. Partner knows we have horrible hearts so chose the slight overbid if 4H to avoid my passing 3H due to awful trump. The opening lead, made quickly, is a small heart.

Plan the play. Try to be specific. Experts please use spoilers.

[Cyberyeti]

Does E follow, and does he play the 9 ?

[mike777]

I would try for 3-3 spades, if not then 6H, 3C, 1S, if I can get the timing right
Win H in dummy, duck a spade..for starters.

I know I only have a minute to think at the table or at most 4 minutes, while smoking two cigarettes then quickly claiming as the famous Belladonna would. Granted that means I need to start smoking so my declarer play will improve....

[WasWinM]

Spoiler

I win in dummy, play the two top clubs in hand, then lead a low spade. If opps take their two diamond tricks and then play a second heart, I win in dummy, cash the club K, then ruff a diamond with the 8. Then Ace of spades and finish with the three high trumps on a cross ruff.

[mikeh]

On looking over the replies I realized I’d made a mistake. Sorry. Declarers hearts were Q642.

Whether that changes any one’s solution is something I don’t know.

For WasWin, at the table they won the ducked spade and did not take their diamonds. Now an attempt to cross ruff fails because the hand with long trump can win a diamond and lead a third one.

[mike777]

I am still hoping for (6H, 3C 1S) or (6H, 2C, 2S)

Win h return in dummy, AS,(S ruff),AC,QC,(s ruff),(KC and pitch D)

[WasWinM]

mikeh, on 2026-June-22, 15:49, said:

On looking over the replies I realized I’d made a mistake. Sorry. Declarers hearts were Q642.

Whether that changes any one’s solution is something I don’t know.

For WasWin, at the table they won the ducked spade and did not take their diamonds. Now an attempt to cross ruff fails because the hand with long trump can win a diamond and lead a third one.

If they don't take their diamonds, it gets easier. Win in the heart return in dummy with the A or K, cash the club K, pitching a losing diamond, and duck a second spade. If they play on diamonds, ruff, ruff a third spade high, and cross back to e heart Queen to run the spades. As long a the hearts are 3-4, I think it makes this way.