The four players and their partnerships

Every card the defenders play tells a story. Notice what they did not play, too.

The auction is a conversation. Each call narrows down what partner can hold, and good players keep track of that picture as it develops.

• 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.