The auction goes as shown. 2NT was a GF raise and 4 showed a flat (no singletons/voids) minimum. Partner leads the 2 (standard) and dummy plays low (as shown below).
Choose One:
5
J
Answer: 1 -
5.
No good can come from playing the jack. Partner would have led the K with KQ.
So, declarer has the king or queen. Either way, if you play the jack, declarer gets 3 tricks.
If you play low, he will get only 2 tricks on the layout below.
As long as the defense stays off hearts, they will get 2 diamonds, 1 club and eventually a heart for down 1. Playing the J at trick 1 prevents the defense from ever taking a heart trick.
Thank you for playing the Practice deals for our Lesson on Over My Shoulder Defense (#2 of 6).