The Full Deal


At our table, the opening lead was the six of clubs (nine, Queen), and declarer ducked, later mis-guessed spades, and ended down two (5% for NS, 95% for us).
If, instead, declarer had won the Ace, the normal line of play would have been to cash the Ace, Queen and Jack of hearts and then lead a club. If, after this start, declarer later played East for the Ace of spades, declarer would have made eight tricks (89% for NS, 11% for EW), otherwise seven tricks (57% for NS, 43% for EW).
Bonus from Val: On this layout, EW can’t attack diamonds profitably, from either side of the table. Another deal where the winning decision, at matchpoints, is to pass rather than make an aggressive invitation. Deal PS073.
To explore alternative lines of play and defense, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/2jncsadh