Jimmy Sez #6

Sometimes you decide to make a bid that is definitely against percentage but based on a hunch or just plain what is needed to enhance your chances of winning.  Sometimes you fall on your head and sometimes things turn out just peachy. 

This hand came up at a Wednesday night club game.

You hold S: A K T 8   H: 9 8   D: A J 2   C: A Q J 5. 

Your partner has passed and RHO bids 1S. With this monster you Double.  After a pass your partner bids 2H.  Your RHO huddles slightly then passes.  After looking at your hand you decide to bid 3NT.  I know it is a pig bid but I have a hunch.  After 3 passes my LHO leads the Diamond eight and this is what comes down in Dummy. 

S: J 4   H: J 7 6 2   D: 7 6 5 3   C: T 4 3. 

Not very much stuff  and from the looks of the lead LHO is out of spades and is leading his own suit.   After playing low RHO produces the queen.  You duck the queen hoping for a switch.  Your prayers are answered when RHO runs off the Ace, King and Queen of Hearts showing that he has five hearts as well as at least five spades.  Now he puts you on the board with the fourth heart.   Hopefully you have counted correctly and figured that RHO must have the Club King.  Then if you have discarded well you will make your contract.  Here are the opponents hands. 

S: 5 2   H: 4 3   D: K T 9 8 4   C: 9 8 7 6                   S: Q 9 7 6 3   H: A K Q T 5   D: Q   C: K 2

Rule:  When partner bids a suit and you are opening leader then lead his suit.  You may not have made the genius lead to beat the contract but you will make a happier partner.  A spade lead beats this hand while the Diamond lead allows declarer to make the contract.