A Coup For You

Since you have two chances at spades, it is right to lead one even though declarer is prepared for the lead. Normally one would lead low from Ten third, but can this be right? Partner did not open a weak two, so the opponents are likely to hold five spades. The declarer is more likely to have the doubleton.

In fact, the winning lead is the spade ten. Dummy held Q 9 4 and declarer had K 8. The lead of a low spade, the choice at both tables, provides a double stopper. The more imaginative lead of the Ten beats the contract.

This is one to remember.

Playing in the final match of a strong regional Swiss Teams, you are competing for the win. There are several other teams within striking range. You have 90 VP’s after six matches. My teams call this “Miller Par.” My theory is that if you put up 15 VP’s per match in a flighted event, you will probably win. If it is stratified, you will need a few more.

One of the concepts behind “Miller Par” is to get your team to quit thinking about winning matches and focus on winning VP’s. It is amazing how many players, even experts, lose track of this concept.

Back to the hand.

As South, you pick up the following: T 6 3 T 9 8 3 A 4 J 6 5 3.

With neither Vulnerable, the auction proceeds as follows:

RHO opens 1, you pass, and LHO calls 1. Partner overcalls 1 and RHO leaps to 3NT.

Partner has asked for a spade lead, but declarer seems ready for that. You have a nasty surprise in declarer’s suit, and three cards in partner’s suit. What should you lead?

Make your choice before viewing the solution.