Leads against notrump

Do not fall in love with your first plan. Check it against the bidding and the early tricks, and be ready to change course.

Ask yourself what the opponents would do if they could see all four hands. Then look for the line that leaves them the fewest good choices.

• Count your sure tricks.
• Look for the extra tricks you need.
• Choose the order of play before you touch a card.

Try it: next time you are declarer, say your plan to yourself before playing from dummy.