Original problem–
Find the best defense.
Solution–
Counting up the high card points around the table–South has 15-17, North has 10, and you have 14. That’s at least 39. We conclude that partner has at most one jack. What about the ♦️s? North has five ♦️s and you have five ♦️s. That leaves only three ♦️s for both declarer and partner. South having opened 1NT is almost certain to have at least two of the three remaining ♦️s. We conclude that partner will be able to ruff ♦️s! Our defense is clear.
Trick 1: Win the Q♥️
Trick 2: Cash A♦️
Trick 3: Lead the 8♦️ for partner to ruff
Trick 4: Win partner’s ♥️ return with the K♥️
Trick 5: Lead the 5♦️
Cashing A♦️ before a second ♥️ provides for a second ♦️ ruff in the case where South started with three ♦️s. Leading a high ♦️ (8♦️) for partner to ruff says “come back in the higher ranking suit”, i.e. ♥️s not ♣️s.
Here might be the entire deal:
Our thoughtful defense brought in four tricks–two ♥️s, one ♦️, and a ♦️ ruff. Without the ♦️ ruff, declarer would easily have made her 4♠️ contract.
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