Bidding information encouraging, but must be successfully exploited
Control shown in opposition suit tells partner not to worry about first round of that suit
Form of avoidance play allows declarer to discard seemingly inevitable loser
Reflect upon auction; remain alert to double bids to attract best lead
All top trumps — barring the ace — offers safe early ruffing opportunity
Pre-empts require good texture, no defence to opponents’ contracts
Known failing finesse neatly turned against declarer
Safe exits stripped away, finesse becomes sure thing — win or lose!
Use knowledge from auction and opening lead to plan throw-in play
Avoid establishing tricks for defenders as you seek to do the same
Maximum pressure on opponents is likely to reveal layout
Focus on key suit, and give yourself maximum opportunity to make maximum tricks
No-trump-style elimination play forces East into concession
Do not allow fear of one suit to occlude correct play in others
Despite holding shorter trumps, stronger dummy can be made into master hand
Strip hand of any looseness to ensure that squeeze takes effect
Loss of ‘cheap’ trick into safe hand destroys defenders’ plan
Sacrifice of a trick to opponent opens route to success
Failure to draw trumps immediately means that a plan is afoot; question what it might be
Question where partner’s values are likely to be located
When trumps are high in both hands, consider scoring them separately
Elimination of side suit key to successful endplay
Even at Duplicate Pairs, play to secure ambitious contract
Imagine declarer’s plan, count defensive tricks: try to establish them for your side
With little to lose, risk humiliation for chance of glory