Dealer South Both Vul

                                    ♠          6 4

                                    ♥          9 5 2

                                    ♦          A

                                    ♣         K Q 8 7 6 5 2

            ♠          A K 10 8 5                              ♠          Q 9 3

            ♥          A 10 8 4                                 ♥          Q 6 3

            ♦          10 5 3                                     ♦          J 9 8 7 6

            ♣         10                                            ♣         9 3

                                    ♠          J 7 2

                                    ♥          K J 7

                                    ♦          K Q 4 2

                                    ♣         A J 4

2¨= Majors

When this hand was played against me West led 4^th highest Heart as partner had shown Hearts and now I had no problem in wrapping up 11 tricks. (7 clubs, 3 Diamonds and 1 Heart).

However, what should West have led? With control of two suits surely West must lead a top spade and see what is going on. Partner might have shown liking for Hearts but it doesn’t hurt to lead the Spade Ace. Also South has still happily bid onto 3NT expecting a heart led. He would not do that without  a good stopper in Hearts!! If you do not already play it then you should play Ace Asks for attitude and King asks for count or an unblock.

Here you need to know if partner has a good spade so after leading the Spade Ace partner encourages with the 9 and now the defence take the first 6 tricks - 5 Spades and 1 Heart and do not let the contract through.

You can also view  watch the following movie to see how the hand pans out. (You need bridgvu.exe programme  and it is available free from   http://www.haroldschogger.com/videos.html or BridgeBase programme on your machine already to view it )

alternatively watch the film www.haroldschogger.com/movies2.htm