Combine the auction with the first trick

Before you play to the first trick, stop and count. How many tricks can you take right now, and how many more do you need?

Timing matters more than technique. The right play made one trick too late is often the wrong play.

• 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.