Suit establishment is probably the most important technique in declarer play. Do you know the ropes? As South, answer each question. Do not be concerned about overtricks.
On the spade lead do you win Ace, King or Duck?
What is the best play?
A. Lead the J and let it rideB. Lead the J to your kingC. Lead the 3 and finesse the jack
What is the chance (%) that the hearts will break 4-3?
Who has the A?
A. Win the A-K and ruff a low heartB. Win the A-K and lead the JC. Win the A-K, A and ruff a club
In which hand do you win the first trick?
A. Lead the 2 to dummys jackB. Lead the 3 to dummys kingC. Lead the 3 to dummys ten
How will the missing spades usually break?
the missing diamonds?
What is the best plan?
A. Try to establish the heart suitB. Try to establish the diamond suitC. Play for a crossruff
How many trumps do you lead immediately?
What do you do next?
A. Win the A-K and ruff a diamondB. Duck a diamondC. Win the A then duck a diamond
Auction not shown to protect the overbidders
the missing clubs?
You win A and A-K to shed a heart. Now what?
A. Win the A and ruff a spadeB. Win the A-K, A-K, ruff a spadeC. Ruff a club
© 1994 Richard Pavlicek