Learning bridge is a step-by-step process. Newer players are taught to draw the missing trumps. Advancing players learn the reasons to delay: to ruff losers, preserve entries, set up a fast discard for a loser, and more.

At today’s four spades, South ruffed the second heart and drew trumps; he had one left. He then attacked his side suit, leading the A-K and a third club. West won and led another heart, forcing out declarer’s last trump. South then took two clubs but lost the last two tricks; East had the ace of diamonds and a heart.

PRINCIPLE

It’s a principle of dummy play: When trump control may be an issue, set up your side suit early. After South ruffs the second heart, he can take the ace of clubs, lead a trump to dummy, return a club to his king and concede a club.

South ruffs West’s heart return and leads a diamond to the king and ace. He can win any return, draw trumps and take the rest.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ? 8 3 ? A 9 8 3 2 ? A 10 6 2 ? J 10. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT and he bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Instead of counting points, use your imagination. Visualize minimum hands for partner that will make four hearts a good contract. If he has AK642,KQ75,3,Q65, he will have a good chance for 10 tricks and on a good day will win 11. You should raise to four hearts and put down your dummy with pride.