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Detail specifications 72A2 - Level 3

Should the 3rd player always play his higher card in a NT contract ?

In a NT contract : what should the 3rd player do on his partner's low card lead ?
Most of the time, the card to play is: the highest one ! But it's not always the case.. take a moment to think about it !
Your partner leads a low card. Therefore, he is promising an honor (at least J). Take advantage of this information, and don't play automatically !
SWNE
1 SA Pass 2 Trefle
Pass 2 Coeur Pass 2 SA
Pass Pass Pass
 4  
   5
    
King Spades
10 Spades
7 Spades
2 Spades
10 Hearts
3 Hearts
Queen Clubs
10 Clubs
7 Clubs
3 Clubs
King Diamonds
8 Diamonds
Queen Spades
9 Spades
8 Spades
4 Spades
9 Hearts
7 Hearts
6 Hearts
5 Hearts
Jack Clubs
8 Clubs
Ace Diamonds
Jack Diamonds
7 Diamonds
Exercise Q27348 Your partner holds a honor. Looking at your hand and dummy's, you know it is Q ...Play J and make the trick ! Then play for your partner. He will play , you'll capture dummy's K, and he contract will be defeated.
 
 
Example
The contract is 2NT. You are player n°3. Your partner leads 3 .
SWNE
1 Trefle Pass 1 Coeur
Pass 1 SA Pass 2 SA
Pass Pass Pass
 3  
   4
    
Queen Spades
7 Spades
5 Spades
Ace Hearts
10 Hearts
8 Hearts
2 Hearts
King Clubs
Queen Clubs
Jack Diamonds
8 Diamonds
3 Diamonds
Ace Spades
10 Spades
9 Spades
Jack Hearts
9 Hearts
7 Hearts
3 Hearts
Jack Clubs
9 Clubs
9 Diamonds
7 Diamonds
6 Diamonds
5 Diamonds
Your partner holds either J or K ...or both. If he has K , he will make it whatever happens. If you play Ace , dummy will make his Q. Play 9 : you make 4 tricks when West has no honor in the suit,you give one trick only when West has an honor (2 if you play the Ace).