The Full Deal
At our table, declarer won the Queen of spades at trick one; when the club Queen won the second trick, declarer was in trouble. From this point, declarer could have made the contract but finished down one (14% for declarer, 86% for EW). If you declared as recommended, you will end plus 660 (eleven tricks) for 65% (or perhaps plus 690 – twelve tricks — for 97% if there is a defensive error). Plus 630 (ten tricks) would have been 33%, and plus 600 (nine) would have been 25%.
Bonus from Val: For many players, it’s automatic to run the opening lead to South’s Queen of spades, but that was a very expensive mistake on this deal. Deal PN029.
To explore alternative lines of play and defense, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d2um4
Any reminders …