Timing: when to give up the lead

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

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

• 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.