[luis]

Scoring: IMP

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The bidding was (only EW bidding)
1♦ - 1♥
2♣ - 2NT
3♣ - 3♦
3NT

Everything natural.
Pd leads the spade 9 (2nd and 4ths)

I destroyed this hand :-) but want to compare my thinking process to some of you to improve it
What is your defensive plan?

Luis

[temp3600]

I suppose the SQ holds the first trick, declarer playing small. So he has at least AJx in spades.

A heart return is necessary only if we can take four tricks in the suit right away. That's unlikely, and it could be costly if we only have two or three and take them too early, setting up declarer's ninth trick.

So i'd return a small spade.

[mike777]

ok since no one else is asking, when does partner lead 4th best and when does partner lead second best? If the 9 is second best she promises the Jack of spades correct?

I assume partner leads 4th best from 4 or 5 spades?
Luis as you can tell I have no idea of what inferences I make with this lead style

[cherdano]

Interesting. Let's assume my spade honor to trick one holds.
If declarer has no king in the minors, we have to continue spades in order to kill the communication, and we have a pretty sure set.
If declarer has a minor king, we have to cash 5 winners as soon as possible. However, when that is possible, declarer would often have taken the ♠A. So maybe he doesn't have it, and we can still shift to heart after a spade goes to partner's ace.

I think a spade to trick two has the best chances of working.

Arend

[luis]

We usually lead 4th best from A, K or Q, 2nd best from J, 9 or lower.
Of course we are playing spades but what is the logic for the defense.
The fact that we have 8xx in diamonds and declarer bid 3♦ means the diamonds are running, he has the K or pd has a doubleton K.
Declarer will duck the first spade, which card do you play at trick 1, which card at trick 2 and why?
Do you play low and let pd win the 2nd spade or do you have a plan and want to keep the lead? Do you plan to switch if declarer ducks 2 spades? Do you play a third one?
What do you think is the most likely scenario and how do you defend?

I can't sleep! I can't sleep!

[mike777]

Well If p leads the 9 of spades from j9xxx I better start the unblock at trick one and two...so Q of spades and then K of spades