J
                                          AJ7
                                          764
                                          AK7632
        854                                                           Q10962
        109865                                                     Q32
        AJ1053                                                     K
        -                                                                Q1094

                                         AK73
                                         K4
                                         Q982
                                         J85

Finesses are always tempting and indeed, there are players who just cannot resist them.  However, this one is definitely not a free finesse.  The finesse of the heart Jack might make sense in a pairs competition, but certainly not at teams or rubber bridge, where the primary objective is to win nine tricks!

There is a safety play available in clubs that requires the declarer to lead clubs from the dummy first.  Win the Ace of Hearts and lead a low club towards South's Jack of Clubs, intending to play the Jack if East follows with a low club.  Even if West should win the Queen of Clubs, that means that clubs are dividing satisfactorily and nine tricks are available.  If East should win the Club Queen, South's Diamond spots are sufficient to prevent the defenders from winning four tricks in that suit.

The concern is a 4-0 club division.  If it is East who has all four clubs, playing low towards the jack will restrict East to one winner.  If it is West who has all four clubs, South's jack will lose to the Queen.  No worry! South has two entries back to hand to finesse against West's remaining clubs and will still bring the suit in for five winners.

Did you get it right?
 

Clive Keep May 2003