The Squeeze-Trim-Endplay: Hand

From actual play, reported in Over Hoffman's Shoulder by Hoffman & Smith. They called it "an unusual endplay.

Q32
Q
A108764
J92

A10876
K92
2
KQ43

Playing IMPs, lefty opens 3, your partner doubles, Righty passes, and you bid 4. Righty doubles.

The opening lead is the A. Lefty continues with the J. You win with the K, pitching a diamond from dummy, righty signalling a doubleton.

Hoffman led a spade towards the queen. Lefty popped the K and led another heart. Hoffman ruffed with the Q, not being able to afford to lose this trick. He then led to the 10 finessed Righty's Jxx, and drew the last trump with the ace. Now what? He had:

--
--
A1087
J92

87
--
2
KQ43

Discussion/Answer

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