A Defensive Thought
By Mike Lawrence

Some plays are automatic. Does that make them right?

North leads the ace of diamonds, ruffed by West. West starts trumps by leading the ten to dummy's queen. You, South, win the ace and return a diamond.

Or do you?

If you agree with the safe diamond return, go ahead and read on. If you don't like it, then what do you like?

Here is what happens if you return the automatic diamond.

West ruffs. He goes to dummy with a trump, and ruffs another diamond. West now plays the ace and king of clubs and ruffs a club in dummy. Inevitably come the last three hearts.

You want to know what your partner played on the clubs, don't you? He played the two, three, and five.

This doesn't tell you what you want to know so I will show you what you want to know. I will show you all four hands. Here they are.