This problem is inspired by a deal that arose during a bracketed knockout at last month's Regional in Cherry Hill, NJ.

AUCTION
SOUTH	WEST	NORTH	EAST
2N	Pass	3	Pass
3	Pass	4N	Pass
5	Pass	5	Pass
5	Pass	6	Pass
Pass	Pass

Solution Part 1

There are eleven easy winners: 5 spades, 2 hearts, 2 diamonds, 1 club, and 1 heart ruff in dummy. Before doing anything hasty, like taking the club finesse, look to see if a better line is available. After winning the K in hand and drawing trumps in two rounds, you should see that the contract is guaranteed, without taking the club finesse.

Proper technique after drawing trumps in two rounds is to play the A and ruff a diamond; small heart to the king, and ruff the last diamond. Now, cash the A and ruff the last heart, leaving...

With the lead in DUMMY, lead a small club toward the AQ9. If east follows low, insert the 9! West will win, but is hopelessly endplayed. He can either lead a club into your AQ or, if he choses to lead a red card, you will ruff in DUMMY and pitch your Q. Also note that it does east no good to insert the T or J; you simply cover with the Q and, assuming west wins the K, he will again be forced to offer up a ruff and sluff or lead into your A9 tenace.

Be sure to pay particular attention to the AQ9 combination. For throw-in purposes, this is every bit as good as AQT, though it may not be readily apparent. Also note that AQ8 opposite the 9 or T is also a sure winner.

The full deal:

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Solution to Part 2

Solution to Part 3

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