* - Michaels cue-bid, at least 5-5 in the majors

In a pair event, where the scoring is matchpoints, you reach 3NT after East has advertised both majors. West leads the ♥8, East plays the jack as you win the ace. When you play a diamond to the ace, East drops the queen under it. You are now assured of nine tricks. How do you propose to try for a tenth trick?

Solution:
The opening lead of the ♥8 goes to the jack and ace. When you play a diamond to the ace, East drops the queen under it.

You are a favorite to score four spade tricks. To cater to West having the singleton ♠J, you should cash the ♠A from dummy. When West follows with a low card, you can play a spade to the ten, as West discards a club. The obvious play is to play a diamond to the eight. However, you should cater to the situation where East falsecarded the queen from a holding of Q10. You should play a diamond to the king, making sure to unblock the nine from hand.

When East discards a spade on this trick, you are assured of ten tricks. You play a spade to the king, make sure to cash the ♥K while you are in hand for the last time, play a diamond to the eight and claim.

Analysis:
A double dummy analysis is not appropriate for this deal, as the key is to time the play correctly to cater to any lie of the opposition cards.
Par Contract Analysis:
The par contract on this deal is 4NT by North-South.

Bridge Baron deal No : N1033-27073-68774-16683-13331-30335