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Detail specifications 73MC - Level 2

Combining your chances

Combining chances in a NT contract
After a lead in your weaker suit, you sometimes cannot afford to let the opps back in hand, as they would be able to bring your contract down.
The technique centers on hoping an opps' honor in your long suit will fall when you draw your leading ones upfront.
Only try the direct finesse using a tenace, if that maneuver has failed.
Example
Donne 7022 As South you are playing 3N. The LHO leads the 5 . you have 8 sure tricks but cannot afford to let the opps back in hand or you will go down....

How do you go about trying to find the 9th trick?
SWNE
1 Trefle Pass 1 Carreau Pass
1 Coeur Pass 1 Pique Pass
1 SA Pass 3 SA Pass
Pass Pass
8 Spades
6 Spades
Ace Hearts
Queen Hearts
2 Hearts
Jack Clubs
5 Clubs
4 Clubs
3 Clubs
Ace Diamonds
King Diamonds
Jack Diamonds
10 Diamonds
    
5   
    
King Spades
Jack Spades
Jack Hearts
10 Hearts
9 Hearts
8 Hearts
Ace Clubs
King Clubs
Queen Clubs
2 Clubs
7 Diamonds
3 Diamonds
2 Diamonds
Board 7022 You must start by trying to find the Queen doubleton ; Draw the Ace then King, If the queen comes you have 9 easy tricks (and even 10). If it does not come, as a last resort , try the direct finesse ... and pray!
 
 
combining your chances chances
If you can't afford to let the opps back in hand, start with an indirect finesse and, if it fails, fall back on the direct finesse. This maneuver is also valid for trump contracts. Exemple :
You are in South as declarer of a 4 contract. The LHO leads the Jack . You have 8 sure tricks
SWNE
Pass
2 Pique Pass 2 SA Pass
3 Trefle Pass 4 Pique
Ace Spades
Jack Spades
7 Spades
King Hearts
Queen Hearts
6 Hearts
King Clubs
Jack Clubs
9 Clubs
5 Clubs
4 Clubs
4 Diamonds
3 Diamonds
    
J   
    
King Spades
Queen Spades
10 Spades
5 Spades
3 Spades
2 Spades
5 Hearts
3 Hearts
Ace Clubs
6 Clubs
2 Clubs
7 Diamonds
5 Diamonds
Combine your chances : Play twice towards King Queen.If the ace is placed, the finesse to the Queen is not necessary. Remember, when the opportunity exists, always start with the indirectfinesseand only try the direct finesse as a last resort....If you do it the other way round, withe the cards to put the contract down, West will not hesitate to play his Ace ..