You and partner reach 3NT. The opening lead is a small spade (of course!). RHO wins the A and continues with another small spade.

How many tricks do you have? You may make the contract by finessing either clubs or diamonds. So, which? Why? Plan the play.

Thanks to Grant Vance for the problem.

Answer: Either one, BUT, don't take it first!

No matter which finesse you choose, if it loses the opponents will cash enough tricks to defeat you (at least 4 spades and the Queen you lose). On this hand you want to give yourself 2 chances, not just one. Cash the AK in one of the minors (say diamonds). This is not the best play for 4 tricks in diamonds, as with 9 cards missing the Queen, the best play in isolation is to play for the drop. With only 8 cards missing the Queen, the best play is to take a finesse. Finesses are 50%, while hoping the Queen is in either hand with 2 of the missing 5 cards (so that it falls under the AK) is only about 40%. However, if the Queen of diamonds doesn't fall, your not down yet! NOW you can take the club finesse, and still make 3NT when the finesse works. So instead of just guessing one suit for a finesse (50% success rate), you make it when EITHER the diamond Queen drops OR the club Queen finesse works. That gives you a whopping 70% chance of success.

Two subtle points:

• If neither works, you're going to fail an extra trick, since you set up their diamond Queen before letting them in!
• Cash the club Ace before taking the club finesse. You don't want to lose the finesse to a singleton Queen of clubs!