[pescetom]

nekthen, on 2018-September-07, 08:18, said:

true. We need 6 tricks in clubs.

East couldn't be sure of that at the time, of course. But giving up even 1 trick at MP is rarely wise.

nekthen, on 2018-September-07, 08:18, said:

I have A532 and the 8 and 6 are out there after 2 tricks
1. North has both. Contract cant be beaten.
2. North has one of them, contract can be beaten by cashing the A
3. North is void. I lead a low ♣ and N wins and switches to a ♦

That's pretty much what East was thinking.
More precisely:
1. North has both. We're in trouble, cashing the A at least guarantees a trick
2a. North has the 8, contract can only be beaten by cashing the A
2b. North has the 6, contract can be beaten by cashing the A or by leading a low ♣
3. North is void. Ideal is to lead a low ♣, but if I cash the A then lead low ♣ partner can still switch to ♦

nekthen, on 2018-September-07, 08:18, said:

I believe that West made a mistake returning the 9 as this indicates originally holding 3 cards. If he returned the 6 (the original 4th), East should get it right and lead a low card back

I think you and @sfi are right here, the 9 was not ideal.
But even so East's play of the 2 after the A should have been sufficient to obtain a ♦ switch.
Unfortunately West read it as "a red suit" and switched to ♥, misled by North who had cannily discarded ♥7.

[bluechip10]

pescetom, on 2018-September-05, 08:11, said:

---

MPs, nobody vul, NS are playing 5cM strong NT 15-17 with a promissory Stayman.
North is dealer and opens 1NT, you are in East.
You don't have a 2-level bid to show 6-card clubs, and your hand looks comfortable in defence, so you pass.
Maybe there was a case for bidding 3♣ natural all the same, but that is a side issue.
South and West pass too.
Your lead against 1NT?

I have a theory that I have used for years. First, DONT is a superior convention over strong 1NT openers. Anyway, I prefer to pass with minor suits and bid with majors. I only bid good suits (two out of the top three honors) or a longer than 6 card suit and I reduce the requirements. My lead: the 4 of clubs.

[bonnylee]

I'll lead a major;HJ.