[CSGibson]

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We wrong-sided a precision contract, but it led to an interesting play problem in 6 spades.

♣Q is led. Matchpoints. Trump are 3-2. How do you play?

[johnu]

Spoiler

Win ♣K (East follows?), three rounds of trump, ♥A, then club to 10 for finesse. If East wins, play ♥Q on a low heart return. If that loses, ruff, cross to a club, and take the diamond finesse.

If West shows out on the 2nd club, go up with ♣A, and throw East in with a club. Continue as if the club finesse lost.

[Fluffy]

Are opponents aware that there is no ace that couldb be missing?, the lead is odd regardless, but it might change the read of the suit.

[gszes]

Leading a singleton club Q does not compute given that
it would seem impossible for opening leader to benefit given
the bidding. I am much more inclined to think the lead is
from QJx(x) and since I really really really hate going down
at trick 1 if the lead is from QJxx I prefer to let it ride
to my ace.

The absence of a lightner x does not sway me since the x is
supposed to be used under conditions where one expects the ruff
to set the contract and unless west has the heart K they would
have no reason to assume their side is due anything more than a
club ruff. If lho ruffs trick 1 I would have a tendency to rise
with the dia ace at trick 2 (if a dia is returned) and use the
heart finesse for my 12th trick because of no lightner.

I am not dead in the water if the ace holds the first trick
the opening lead could still have been from QJx and even if it was
not I can still decide btn dia and heart hooks.

[CSGibson]

gszes, on 2014-April-08, 17:21, said:

Leading a singleton club Q does not compute given that
it would seem impossible for opening leader to benefit given
the bidding. I am much more inclined to think the lead is
from QJx(x) and since I really really really hate going down
at trick 1 if the lead is from QJxx I prefer to let it ride
to my ace.

The short side is playing the spades, it would ride to your king.

[CSGibson]

Fluffy, on 2014-April-08, 12:39, said:

Are opponents aware that there is no ace that couldb be missing?, the lead is odd regardless, but it might change the read of the suit.

They did not ask, but 5N confirmed all keycards.