[firechief]

Here's a seemingly innocent suit combo. You have A8xx on dummy opposite Qxxx in your hand. Your concealed length is unknown, and the contract is notrumps. Other than that, there's no other special circumstances. What's the best line for 3 tricks? I understand if you don't readily see how it matters, but I assure you there's a silver lining in there.
Joel

[Free]

I suspect small to the Q first, and finesse to the 8 if you catch some J/T/9 and the K.

[firechief]

The trick to the suit combination lies in another combination worth consideration. If you were holding A8xx opposite JTx and you needed 3 tricks, there's no legitimate way to attack the suit. However, the illegitimate attempt is one that will often work...which is leading from the concealed JTx towards the A8xx, and when LHO plays low, insert the 8. This will pick up Q9x and K9x to the left. That having been said, some would say "shouldn't those combinations insert the 9 to stop the finesse of the 8?" Well, that may be true, but now go back to the original combination of A8xx opposite Qxxx. If you lead low from the Qxxx towards the A8xx, and LHO has K9x, he may insert the 9 playing you for JTx (or even QTx). However, if he does play the 9, he'll get a rude awakening when his partner follows with the ten and the jack under the queen on the next round.
Joel

[whereagles]

Hum... Interesting little coup

[flytoox]

Lead small from A8xx to Qxxx. Seems I have to play one of opps for Kx.

[flytoox]

firechief, on Jan 19 2005, 04:42 AM, said:

The trick to the suit combination lies in another combination worth consideration. If you were holding A8xx opposite JTx and you needed 3 tricks, there's no legitimate way to attack the suit. However, the illegitimate attempt is one that will often work...which is leading from the concealed JTx towards the A8xx, and when LHO plays low, insert the 8. This will pick up Q9x and K9x to the left. That having been said, some would say "shouldn't those combinations insert the 9 to stop the finesse of the 8?" Well, that may be true, but now go back to the original combination of A8xx opposite Qxxx. If you lead low from the Qxxx towards the A8xx, and LHO has K9x, he may insert the 9 playing you for JTx (or even QTx). However, if he does play the 9, he'll get a rude awakening when his partner follows with the ten and the jack under the queen on the next round.
Joel

That is cute I must say, though you need an imaginative opp.