Mad Bridge Party

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“I suppose my cousin needs an occasional triumph,” the Queen of Diamonds sighed to Alice.
At the Mad Hatter’s game, the Red Queens had kept bickering.
“I’m the most potent card in Wonderland,” the Queen of Hearts insisted. “No ace or king dares capture me.”

Dlr: South ♠ J 5
Vul: N-S ♥ J 7 3
♦ A J 4
♣ A 9 7 5 2
♠ 10 9 6 4 3 ♠ K 8 7
♥ K 6 2 ♥ 10 9 8 5 4
♦ 9 7 6 3 ♦ K Q 8
♣ 8 ♣ K 4
♠ A Q 2
♥ A Q
♦ 10 5 2
♣ Q J 10 6 3
South West North East
1NT Pass 3NT All Pass

Opening lead — ♠4
When Alice played at 3NT, West, the Hatter, led a spade: jack, king, ace. Alice considered finessing in clubs next, but if East won, he would return a spade to set up the suit, and West might hold the ♥K as an entry.

Entry

If instead Alice led the ♥A, then the queen, forcing out West’s only possible entry before his spades were good, the defense might win and lead a third heart, setting up heart tricks for East while he had a club entry.
So Alice led the ♥! The Hatter played low (to win was no better) as the Queen of Hearts roared approval. Alice then started the clubs and had nine tricks even when the finesse lost. To lead the ♥ was indeed her correct play.

Daily Question

You hold:
♠ A Q 2
♥ A Q
♦ 10 5 2
♣ Q J 10 6 3
Your partner opens 1♠, you respond 2♣, he bids 2♥ and you jump to 3♠ (forcing). Partner next bids 4♦. What do you say?

ANSWER
Partner’s 4♦ shows slam interest; he would bid 4♠ otherwise. Your hand couldn’t be much more suitable, with four top honors in his long suits. Cue-bid 4♥. Even if he signs off at 4♠, try again by bidding 5♠.