Suggested Solution

South has 7 top tricks so needs just 2 more to make the contract. The obvious place to find the two tricks is from the diamond suit by driving out the King. If declarer had won the initial spade lead with his Ace, then should East possess the K¨ the contract goes off. To prevent this, bridge players use the "Rule of 7" and refrain from taking the diamond finesse into the danger hand. Declarer wins with the Ace on the 3rd round of spades. By doing this declarer happily loses the diamond finesse to the player who cannot return a spade. 9 tricks made.

However, if the diamonds had been swapped between North and South hands then it is correct to win the Ace immediately as the finesse in diamonds is to be taken into the West hand. West cannot return a spade without giving declarer an extra trick with his remaining ª J 3. With A J x opposite x x the Rule of 7 has to be used in conjuction with an assessment of which player presents a danger to the contract.