Bath Coup Practice Hand
The Bath Coup can be used in suit or notrump contracts. On this hand we're in a contract of 3NT.
The Bidding
With 18 high card points we're too strong to open 1NT, so open 1♦ and bid 2NT on the second round to show a strong balanced hand. North bids 3NT and that's high enough. North knows our strength and North has decided that 3NT is the place to play.
The Lead
West leads the ♥K which is a top of a sequence lead showing the ♥Q and probably the ♥T.
Duck The first round of hearts and play ♥2. When we duck with this particular suit combination of AJx it's known as the Bath Coup. We have left West on lead and if he plays another heart we are guaranteed two heart tricks. Now West is in a bit of a spot because if he doesn't play another heart then he's got to switch to another suit, which we don't mind at all.
The Full Hand
Whatever West does, there's still some work to do. Try playing the hand yourself and see how many tricks you can make.
