BRIDGE

The “Simple Saturday” column focuses on basic technique and strategy.

The key to effective dummy play is planning. Declarer must not play a card until he counts winners, losers or both. In particular, he must resist the urge to draw trumps without thought.

If you don’t believe that, see today’s deal. Against six hearts, West led the queen of clubs; South saw no problem. He took the ace and cashed the ace of trumps.

When East unexpectedly discarded, South ruffed a club in dummy, led a trump to his hand and ruffed his last club. But when he next tried to get back with a spade to draw the missing trump, West ruffed. Down one.

South was unlucky. He was punished for drawing one little round of trumps. South must ruff a club at Trick Two, lead a trump to his hand and ruff a club. Then he can draw trumps and claim 12 tricks.

Plan before you play. If you see no problems, look again.

Question: You hold: ♠ 108 64 ♥ K1042 ♦ K1042 ♣ 6. Your partner opens two clubs (strong, artificial), you respond two diamonds (negative or waiting) and he bids two hearts. Now what?

Answer: Today’s North had this problem and raised to three hearts. Many players would jump to four clubs as a splinter bid, showing heart support, club shortness and slam interest. Discuss any conventional method with your partner before you use it.