Chapter 12
IMPRESSIVE DECLARER PLAY
Note:
Only summaries are included below - see book for details
© 2001 - Marty Bergen
Look Ma, No Trumps
If
notrump contracts frighten you — relax
Waste Not, Want Not
Declarer should lead an honor for a finesse only when he is
eager to have it covered.
Good Guys, Bad Guys
Declarer should be careful to prevent the “bad guy” from
obtaining the lead.
An Expert Approach
When
declaring a suit contract, counting losers is just the tip of
the iceberg.
How Do I Ruff Thee?
Don’t send a boy to do a man’s job.
The Pathetic Eight– Card Fit
The
fact that your trump suit is weak should not prevent you from
drawing them.
The Magnificent 11 – Card Fit
Even
with a long, strong trump suit — don’t always rush
to draw trumps.
Checkmate!
Last
is best.
When you have a dubious holding in a suit, you
should try to force the opponents to lead that suit. That
insures that your side will play last.
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
When
the opening leader is about to win the first trick, declarer
should “signal” with a high card if he wants the suit continued.
Winners Count
When
playing a slam, count winners rather than losers.
Monkey See, Monkey No Do
Finesses lose half the time. Don’t take every one that you see.
This Duck is No Fowl
Lose
your losers early.
When declarer has an
inevitable loser in a suit, he should invariably lose it sooner
rather than later. This variation of the holdup play is referred
to as a “duck,” and its purpose is to preserve entries.
13
The Defense Never Rests 143
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