Everybody played in 3NT on this deal, although relatively few succeeded. Working through the plan, utilising basic principles, should get you home . . .
Bidding
Dealer: South
Game All
North’s response was a Negative Double, showing exactly four spades. South re-bid no-trumps as planned. West led Q♥ and, once South gained the lead, most players led a low club from hand to dummy’s K♣, and then a low club back, ducking in hand. West led another heart and, when he regained the lead with A♣, cashed out his heart winners.
Analyse the significance of West’s overcall: hearts will be breaking 5-2, occasionally 6-1; most of the points lie with West. You have seven tricks; the club suit must be established for at least two more. You will almost certainly have to lose twice in clubs before enjoying any extra tricks — and, with his long heart suit, you cannot afford to lose both those tricks to West.
At trick one, declarer ducks the lead and wins J♥ continuation: this results in East now being void in hearts. At trick three, South can lead 2♣ and, when West plays low, he should put in dummy’s 9♣. He does not expect this to win, but he is happy that East — who takes the trick with 10♣ — cannot continue the attack on hearts. Whatever East leads next, South can win, continue to play clubs until West takes his A♣, and then take the rest of the tricks.
