Experience is not something you get on an easy-payment plan. Capable declarers have learned indeed, the hard way that it’s essential to plan before you play.

In today’s deal, West judged that a spade opening lead might give South his ninth trick; West led the ten of clubs. South played dummy’s jack hopefully, but East’s queen covered.

Declarer then cashed four diamond tricks, pitching a heart. West let go two hearts. South next took the ace of clubs and led a third club, hoping West had held 10-9-7, but East won and led the jack of spades, and West took five spade tricks. Down two.

West would have done better to lead a heart or diamond. After he chose the ten of clubs, South could have succeeded if he hadn’t played in haste.

Since South wants to set up a third club trick without letting East get in, South must let West’s ten win. Whatever West leads next, South has three club tricks, four diamonds and two hearts.

This week: the first trick.

Daily question >> You hold: ? K 4 ? A 7 6 4 ? A 10 7 ? K 6 5 3. The dealer, at your left, opens three diamonds. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

Answer >> Since your partner has obliged you to act at three level, he must be prepared to play there even if you have little or nothing; his hand is worth at least 17 points. You may have a slam. Cue-bid four diamonds. If partner holds A Q 7 6, K Q 10 5, 3 2, A Q 7, you will be a favorite at six hearts.

North dealer

N-S vulnerable

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