BRIDGE

Contract: 6 by South. Opening Lead: 2. What is your plan? Recommended Line: You hope to make six spades, one heart, three diamonds, and two clubs.

You do not need four diamond tricks, so assume only three can be made.

Since you need only three diamond tricks, you imagine the split against you is 4-2. Therefore you must find a way to play five rounds of the suit. Four rounds will be needed to draw all the diamonds out of one defender’s hand; the fifth round will be to cash the established diamond.

If you play two top diamonds and ruff a third right away, you have two rounds of diamonds to go. But, with only one entry left, this is impossible. The solution is to win the trump lead in hand, and duck a diamond.

Next, play A, K, and ruff the next one high.

You reach the established diamond via the J. You have to give away a diamond to make a diamond. Your “generosity” is rewarded.