A Q 4

Play low toward Q

4 3 2

K Q 5

Play low toward Q, if opponent does not play A, repeat sequence

4 3 2

A 5 4

Play Ace then low toward Q

Q 3 2

A J 4

Cash K, then play low toward J

K 3 2

A 3 2

Play Q, if opponent does not play K, repeat sequence

Q J 10

A J 10 9

Play low toward J, repeat low toward 10

4 3 2

A J 9

Play low toward 9, repeat low toward J

4 3 2

K J 10

Play low toward J, repeat low toward 10

4 3 2

A Q 10

Play low toward 10, repeat low toward Q

However, try not to break suit the suit, seeking an endplay. If desperate, try low to J 10  once, then cash A, hoping to trap honor or doubleton K or Q

4 3 2

A 3 2

Play low toward 10, repeat low toward J

J 10 4

Q 9 5 2

Play low to K (away from Q 9 tenace first)

K J 4 3

A 3 2

Do not break suit, seek an endplay. If desperate, try low to J 10  once, then cash A, hoping to trap honor or doubleton K or Q

J 10 4

A 3 2

Similar to the above, first play low to the 9 before cashing the A

J 9 4

A K J 6

Holding an 8 card suit, first play the A hoping the opponent drops the Q or perhaps the 10 (Restricted Choice), then finesse the Q if opponents both play low

5 4 3 2

A 2

Do not break suit, seek endplay.  If slam, consider squeeze (play A and make opponent guard K)

Q 3

A 3 2

Simple approach is A then finesse opponents' K. If opponents' have 3 of top 7 (K J 10), declarer holds 4 of top 7 – A Q 9 8. With endplay and squeeze opportunities, watch opponent suit discards, first playing other suits

Q 9 8

A 4 3 2

Typically cash A then finesse opponent’s Q.  Carefully watch count, signaling, leads, inferences.

K J 6 5

A K Q 10

Opponent 4-2 “a-priori” break is 48% and 3-3 is 35%.  Consider defender play tactics, watching count and Restricted Choice clues.

4 3 2

Q 3 2

Take early finesse toward hidden stiff K. Plan play before playing to trick 1, proceeding early to make a smooth play

K

K 10 5

Depending on auction level, endplay may be mandatory.  But simply first playing toward the 10 brings up odds from 50% to 62%.  In Notrump contracts consider dangerous opponent

4 3 2

A J 10

Basic repeated finesse with 76% chance to make 2 tricks

4 3 2

A Q 10

As above, 76% chance to make 2 or a 24% chance for 3 tricks

4 3 2

A Q 9

Same idea here, finessing to the 9 has a 63% chance to make 2

4 3 2

A 3 2

Cash A then play low to Q 10 hoping Right Hand Opponent makes life easy.

Q 10 4

A 3 2

Finesse toward Q J – never lead Q or J (unless only 2 tricks are needed). If Q holds, play toward A and repeat finesse to J to make 3.

Q J 5 4

A 3 2

Same as above, although with 8 card suit cash the A first (Rabbi rule dropping K)

Q J 6 5 4

A J 3 [2]

When playing for 3 tricks, never lead Q. Play toward J and then cash A; holding 4 cards, the declarer can actually make 4 if opponent carelessly discards one card and partner holds K x or if opponents are 3-3 and one mistakenly goes up on repeated finesse.  However if West is marked with honors, cash A and then finesse West for K x

Q 4 3

A K J

Play A, then finesse the Left Hand Opponent's Q

4 3 2

A K 10 4

Play A (hoping West holds Q x), next low toward 10, then cash K.

J 3 2

A Q 10 3

Play depends on entries.  With entries, tempt with the J and West will likely cover holding K.  Without entries, play 9 and West will not cover – then play J

J 9 2

A Q 9 3 2

Holding intermediates with side suit transportation problems, consider unblocking maneuvers.  Lead the 10 to the A (not low to A), then low to K – the only way to make 4 when West is long in the suit

K 10 4