Dealer: North Vuln: None

When this hand was recently played IMPs, EW were happy to defeat the contract by one taking 3 Aces and a king. This was fine playing Imps, but how do you defeat the contract by two, which is important,when playing MPs?

Firstly you need to know the correct lead when holding AK doubleton. With AKX or more you lead the top card (from this sequence)

However, with AK doubleton you need to wake partner up and lead that King followed by the Ace next.

 When at trick two you suddenly play an unexpected Ace partner should get the message that you have a doubleton only and are after a ruff.

Having cashed that King Ace now play a ♦8 over to partner's Ace. Partner has watched your Spade play and hopefully he will now play a third spade which you can ruff. You now cash your club ace and you have taken the first five tricks defeating this contract by two.

You made 2 Top Spades 2 Aces and a spade ruff for a better defended hand.

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