Declaring 3NT - Should I hold up at trick one - lesson 6

Gidday. Here's a fun take on a classic conundrum:
Picture this: the opponents lead the suit dummy first bid. Now you're staring at the table with a choice-do you finesse for the jack or the king? It’s like being at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and you’ve got to choose which dessert to start with!
But wait, here’s the kicker-the Rule of 11 can swoop in like a superhero and save the day. Subtract the lead card from 11, and suddenly you’ve got a treasure map showing how many higher cards sit in the other three hands. It’s like having X-ray vision for the card layout!
So, how do you decide? The finesse isn’t just a guess-it’s an educated leap based on what you learn from the lead. Use the Rule of 11, channel your inner detective, and let the cards tell you their story. Every finesse is a puzzle, and this rule is the clue that cracks it.

[@martindavies8909]

Well analysed & well played. I am not sure that I would have opened the North hand as it’s only 11HCPs and the 2nd suit ranks higher. If W opens a weak 2S South could bid 2NT North would raise to 3NT. Probably West would lead the JS so helping South to pinpoint the missing spades and 12 tricks for NS.

[@keithkatbridge]

Thank you, Martin. Most top players are opening hands with 11 hcp these days, especially with a 5-4 distribution and "pure" holdings...such as the D-AQJ and the HA. Have a great day. Keith 😊