2nd January 2019

A lead problem from the Manchester League, St Titus vs Team Mayhem.
 S  85
 H  K1087654
 D  K6
 C  84

Love All. IMPs Dealer South
South
 West
 North
 East
1S 3H 4C Pass
4H Pass
 6S Pass
Pass
 Pass


North South were playing Precision so one spade showed five spades and a maximum of 15 points.  Four clubs was a control bid agreeing spades and four hearts was a control bid denying a diamond control.  What do you lead?

Solution

The St Titus player led the six of diamonds.  The full deal was as below.
Dealer Souh
 S
 AQJ
    
Love All
 H
 J
    
    D AQJ742
    
    C A95
    
S
 85
     S
 K64
H
 K1087654
     H
 92
D
 K6
     D
 853
C
 84
     C
 J10732
    S
 109732
    
    H
 AQ3
    
    D
 109
    
    C
 KQ6
    
Can South be blamed for suspecting a singleton lead?  She won the diamond ace and played a club to hand, relying on the trump finesse to make her contract.  One off and 14 IMPs to St Titus.