Where is the king?
Both vulnerable, South deals
- ✓Both vulnerable, South deals
- ✓The slam would be cold on any other lead, making 12 tricks regardless of who held the king of diamonds.
- ✓12 tricks either way regardless of who held the king of diamonds.
West’s heart lead was most annoying. The slam would be cold on any other lead, making 12 tricks regardless of who held the king of diamonds. A losing diamond finesse would still create a discard for dummy’s losing heart.
Now declarer had to use his best judgment and hope that was enough. Who was more likely to hold the king of hearts? If West has it, South should play the queen from dummy at trick one. But is that likely? Leading from a king against a slam might be a good idea when the opponents stretched to reach the slam.
You might need to set up a trick for your side before it’s too late. This, however, was a power slam. North clearly has a very good hand and leading from a king would be dangerous. South decided to play East for the king of hearts.
South played low from dummy at trick one, winning in hand. He drew trumps in two rounds and cashed his three top clubs, discarding a low heart from his hand. He ruffed dummy’s last club and then exited with a heart and was pleased to see East win the trick.
East had to lead a diamond or give up a ruff-sluff. 12 tricks either way regardless of who held the king of diamonds. Had West shown up with the king of hearts, South could still try the diamond finesse. Very well judged.
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| Issuing Authority | The Hindu Cinema & Culture |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 5 November 2026 |