Second Hand Low

Dealer:  West Vul: E-W	Kathleen ♠KQT843 ♥AKT3 ♦4 ♣T7
Irene ♠976 ♥J9852 ♦KQ93 ♣K		Freddie ♠J5 ♥Q4 ♦8762 ♣A9432
	Michael ♠A2 ♥76 ♦AJT5 ♣QJ865

South	West	North	East
Michael	Irene	Kathleen	Freddie
	Pass	1♠	Pass
2♣	Pass	2♥	Pass
3NT	All Pass

Opening Lead: ♥ 5

Playing with a friend, Kathleen, at a local club we had this hand come up. When dummy came down I figured I had 9 tricks if spades split - 6 spades, 2 hearts, and a diamond. But there's no immediate danger so I might as well try for some overtricks. Clubs look like a possible candidate, so after winning the initial ♥ in dummy, I led the ♣T at trick 2. Freddie thought for a little while and then played his ace. I don't know why he didn't follow the rule of "2^nd hand low" but it really cost him this time.

As you can see, Irene had to play her singleton ♣K under her partner's ace. Not only that, but now I knew Freddie had the ♣9, so I could finesse clubs and get my ♣8 good. I ended up getting 6 spades, 2 hearts, a diamond, and 3 clubs, to make 6. Needless to say, this was a very good result for us.

Moral of the story - play 2^nd hand low unless you have a good reason not to. (or you are playing against me. I'm always happy to accept gifts.  :-) )