{"id":13759,"date":"2026-02-27T16:18:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T15:18:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/?page_id=13759"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:02:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:02:28","slug":"the-play-tricks-and-strategy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/the-play-tricks-and-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2665\ufe0f Play: Tricks and Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-fec2668 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"fec2668\"><style>.stk-fec2668 .stk--block-align-fec2668{align-items:center !important;}.stk-fec2668 {background-color:#d75b4f !important;border-top-left-radius:24px !important;border-top-right-radius:24px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:24px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:24px !important;overflow:hidden !important;margin-bottom:40px !important;}.stk-fec2668:before{background-color:#d75b4f !important;}.stk-fec2668-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:80px !important;justify-content:center !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk--block-align-fec2668 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-fec2668-column stk--flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-99b50c3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"99b50c3\"><style>.stk-99b50c3-container{max-width:1000px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-99b50c3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-99b50c3-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-3f123e7 stk-entrance\" id=\"play-br-tricks-and-strategy\" data-block-id=\"3f123e7\"><style>.stk-3f123e7 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#ffffff !important;}.stk-3f123e7 {--entrance-transform:translateY(80px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}<\/style><h1 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Play:<br>Tricks and strategy<\/h1><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-032b4cb\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"032b4cb\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-032b4cb-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-032b4cb-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-bebc289 stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"bebc289\"><style>.stk-bebc289 {--entrance-transform:translateX(80px) !important;--entrance-delay:0.4s !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-bebc289 .stk-img-wrapper{height:320px !important;--stk-gradient-overlay:0.3 !important;}.stk-bebc289 .stk-img-wrapper img{object-fit:contain !important;}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-3592\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cover-card-rules-3-e1772195578425.jpg\" width=\"1410\" height=\"1224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cover-card-rules-3-e1772195578425.jpg 1410w, https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cover-card-rules-3-e1772195578425-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cover-card-rules-3-e1772195578425-1024x889.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cover-card-rules-3-e1772195578425-768x667.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cover-card-rules-3-e1772195578425-624x542.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1410px) 100vw, 1410px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-fb5ecd6\" data-block-id=\"fb5ecd6\"><style>.stk-fb5ecd6 {margin-bottom:40px !important;}.stk-fb5ecd6-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:80px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-fb5ecd6-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9749895\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9749895\"><style>.stk-9749895-container{padding-top:32px !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-9749895 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 66.7% !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9749895-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9749895-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-f9ca3da\" data-block-id=\"f9ca3da\"><style>.stk-f9ca3da {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-f9ca3da .stk-inner-blocks{column-gap:24px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button btn-primary-blue stk-block stk-1bfa30d\" data-block-id=\"1bfa30d\"><style>.stk-1bfa30d .stk-button{padding-top:12px !important;padding-right:24px !important;padding-bottom:12px !important;padding-left:24px !important;background:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;border-top-left-radius:80px !important;border-top-right-radius:80px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:80px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:80px !important;}.stk-1bfa30d .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--stk-global-color-62948, #122a70) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-1bfa30d .stk-button:hover:before{box-shadow:0px 1px 3px 1px #0000004d !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-62948, #122a70) !important;}.stk-1bfa30d .stk-button:before{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;border-top-width:2px !important;border-right-width:2px !important;border-bottom-width:2px !important;border-left-width:2px !important;}.stk-1bfa30d .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{height:16px !important;width:16px !important;margin-inline-end:8px !important;}.stk-1bfa30d .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:14px !important;line-height:20px !important;font-weight:700 !important;letter-spacing:0.1px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-1bfa30d .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:14px !important;}}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/\"><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M257.5 445.1l-22.2 22.2c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 273c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L201.4 44.7c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.2 22.2c9.5 9.5 9.3 25-.4 34.3L136.6 216H424c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v32c0 13.3-10.7 24-24 24H136.6l120.5 114.8c9.8 9.3 10 24.8.4 34.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Back to all rules<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-dadc3d2\" data-block-id=\"dadc3d2\"><style>.stk-dadc3d2 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-dadc3d2-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d3f360c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d3f360c\"><style>.stk-d3f360c-container{max-width:1000px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d3f360c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d3f360c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-cbecda5\" id=\"learn-how-to-win-tricks-plan-your-play-and-think-like-an-expert\" data-block-id=\"cbecda5\"><style>.stk-cbecda5 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Learn how to win tricks, plan your play, and think like an expert<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-36b84a2\" data-block-id=\"36b84a2\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Once the bidding ends, the real battle begins: the play of the cards. This is where contracts succeed or fail. Understanding how tricks work, and how to plan them, transforms you from a passive player into a strategic one.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-b80a0af is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"b80a0af\"><style>.stk-b80a0af hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-b80a0af {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-56b43c1\" data-block-id=\"56b43c1\"><style>.stk-56b43c1 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-56b43c1-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0c8f6ad\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0c8f6ad\"><style>.stk-0c8f6ad-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0c8f6ad-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0c8f6ad-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-9535e38\" id=\"what-is-a-trick\" data-block-id=\"9535e38\"><style>.stk-9535e38 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-9535e38 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">What Is a Trick?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c9c1a1f\" data-block-id=\"c9c1a1f\"><style>.stk-c9c1a1f {margin-bottom:16px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">A <strong>trick<\/strong> consists of 4 cards, one from each player.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The player on lead chooses a card.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Others must follow suit if possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The highest card of the led suit wins, unless a trump is played.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a trump is played, the highest trump wins the trick.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-0614db7\" data-block-id=\"0614db7\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">There are <strong>13 tricks<\/strong> in every deal.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Situation<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who wins the trick?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>All follow suit<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Highest card of the suit led<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Someone plays trump<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Highest trump<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Multiple played<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Highest trump<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>No one can follow suit and notrump played<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Highest card of the led suit<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2ba2875\" data-block-id=\"2ba2875\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Example:<br>4<span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\">\u2660<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> \u2192 You must win <strong>10 tricks<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-83d2bfd\" data-block-id=\"83d2bfd\"><style>.stk-83d2bfd {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-83d2bfd-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-92d9995\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"92d9995\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-92d9995-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-92d9995-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-bfbfff1\" data-block-id=\"bfbfff1\"><style>.stk-bfbfff1 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-bfbfff1 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Quick tip:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always count how many tricks you need before playing to trick one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track how many tricks you have already secured.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember: defenders only need to defeat the contract by one trick.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-a06bfc5 is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"a06bfc5\"><style>.stk-a06bfc5 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-a06bfc5 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-554e85f\" data-block-id=\"554e85f\"><style>.stk-554e85f {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-554e85f-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5fea5ca\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5fea5ca\"><style>.stk-5fea5ca-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5fea5ca-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5fea5ca-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-797a811\" id=\"declarer-vs-defenders-different-goals\" data-block-id=\"797a811\"><style>.stk-797a811 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-797a811 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Declarer vs Defenders: Different Goals<\/h3><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-00a4d71\" data-block-id=\"00a4d71\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">After the auction:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Declarer\u2019s side<\/strong> tries to make the contract.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defenders<\/strong> try to set the contract.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-0a3075f\" data-block-id=\"0a3075f\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Each side has a different mindset.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Declarer&#8217;s Golden Rule:<br><\/span><span style=\"color: #0f0e17;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Count your winners before playing to trick one.<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-5d7d34c\" data-block-id=\"5d7d34c\"><style>.stk-5d7d34c {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Ask:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How many sure tricks do I have?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where can I develop extra tricks?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-4ad3a55\" data-block-id=\"4ad3a55\"><style>.stk-4ad3a55 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4ad3a55-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2dfc3d6\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2dfc3d6\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2dfc3d6-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2dfc3d6-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-207733b\" data-block-id=\"207733b\"><style>.stk-207733b {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-207733b .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tips:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As declarer, pause before playing from dummy at trick one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As defender, your opening lead is your most powerful weapon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch every card, information is everything.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-23e27db is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"23e27db\"><style>.stk-23e27db hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-23e27db {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-6704ee2\" data-block-id=\"6704ee2\"><style>.stk-6704ee2 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-6704ee2-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b670e5e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b670e5e\"><style>.stk-b670e5e-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b670e5e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b670e5e-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-3cbd31e\" id=\"counting-winners-notrump-contracts\" data-block-id=\"3cbd31e\"><style>.stk-3cbd31e {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-3cbd31e .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Counting Winners (Notrump Contracts)<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9362937\" data-block-id=\"9362937\"><style>.stk-9362937 {margin-bottom:24px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">In notrump, you usually count <strong>top winners<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9dc00ff\" data-block-id=\"9dc00ff\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Example Hand (simplified):<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Suit<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Holding<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Immediate winners<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2660<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">AKQ<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2665<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">A42<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2666<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">KJ3<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2663<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Q54<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-d5d8e81\" data-block-id=\"d5d8e81\"><style>.stk-d5d8e81 {margin-bottom:24px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Total immediate winners = 5<br><br>If you need 9 tricks (3NT), you must develop 4 more.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-1b0b29c\" data-block-id=\"1b0b29c\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>How to Develop Tricks:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish long suits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finesse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knock out high cards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Force out opponents\u2019 winners early<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-9b391cf\" data-block-id=\"9b391cf\"><style>.stk-9b391cf {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;margin-bottom:44px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-9b391cf-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-6178523\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"6178523\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-6178523-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-6178523-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-4b0b94d\" data-block-id=\"4b0b94d\"><style>.stk-4b0b94d {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-4b0b94d .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tips for notrump:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish your long suit early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold up your ace when necessary to cut communications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep track of entries to your hand and dummy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider has-text-align-center stk-block stk-946f56a\" data-block-id=\"946f56a\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-4b0b784\" data-block-id=\"4b0b784\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4b0b784-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e797cac\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e797cac\"><style>.stk-e797cac-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e797cac-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e797cac-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-1afe217\" id=\"counting-losers-suit-contracts\" data-block-id=\"1afe217\"><style>.stk-1afe217 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-1afe217 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Counting Losers (Suit Contracts)<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c2a1b3b\" data-block-id=\"c2a1b3b\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Example (hearts are trumps):<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Suit<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Holding<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Losers<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2660<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">KQ4<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2665<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">A8732<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2666<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">J53<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>\u2663<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">K92<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2a96e71\" data-block-id=\"2a96e71\"><style>.stk-2a96e71 {margin-bottom:24px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Total losers = 4<br><br>If you\u2019re in 4<span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\">\u2665<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> (you can lose only 3 tricks), you must eliminate 1 loser.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f440f3d\" data-block-id=\"f440f3d\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Ways to Eliminate Losers:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ruff in dummy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discard on long suits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finesse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draw trumps carefully<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-1353888\" data-block-id=\"1353888\"><style>.stk-1353888 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-1353888-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-20b7488\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"20b7488\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-20b7488-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-20b7488-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-aa2bba4\" data-block-id=\"aa2bba4\"><style>.stk-aa2bba4 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-aa2bba4 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tips for Suit Contracts:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Usually draw trumps early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t draw trumps if you need to ruff losers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use dummy\u2019s short suits strategically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-2a9c1e2 is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"2a9c1e2\"><style>.stk-2a9c1e2 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-2a9c1e2 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-1d68f45\" data-block-id=\"1d68f45\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-1d68f45-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-aef870a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"aef870a\"><style>.stk-aef870a-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-aef870a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-aef870a-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2bc1ff1\" id=\"the-finesse-a-key-technique\" data-block-id=\"2bc1ff1\"><style>.stk-2bc1ff1 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-2bc1ff1 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">The Finesse: A Key Technique<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-be35a71\" data-block-id=\"be35a71\"><style>.stk-be35a71 {margin-bottom:24px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">A finesse is a play that tries to win a trick with a lower card because you hope a missing higher card is favorably placed.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-0e1a94e\" data-block-id=\"0e1a94e\"><style>.stk-0e1a94e {margin-bottom:35px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Example:<br>You hold AQ opposite small cards.<br>You lead toward the queen.<br>If the king is behind it, you win.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-5b313d0\" data-block-id=\"5b313d0\"><style>.stk-5b313d0 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong><span style=\"color: var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Basic Finesse Odds<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Missing cards<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Probability<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>1 missing honor<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">50%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>2 missing honors<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Usually finesse once<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Split 2\u20132<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">40%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Split 3\u20132<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">68%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-74a646b\" data-block-id=\"74a646b\"><style>.stk-74a646b {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-74a646b-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b712117\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b712117\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b712117-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b712117-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8a8dda9\" data-block-id=\"8a8dda9\"><style>.stk-8a8dda9 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-8a8dda9 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tips:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take finesses toward strength, not away from it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combine chances when possible (don\u2019t rely on only one plan).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t finesse automatically, consider the bidding clues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-02ee036 is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"02ee036\"><style>.stk-02ee036 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-02ee036 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-aa85214\" data-block-id=\"aa85214\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-aa85214-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-342fae6\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"342fae6\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-342fae6-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-342fae6-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-b18ad95\" data-block-id=\"b18ad95\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-b18ad95-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-392a9c2\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"392a9c2\"><style>.stk-392a9c2-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-392a9c2-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-392a9c2-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-81276ac\" id=\"drawing-trumps\" data-block-id=\"81276ac\"><style>.stk-81276ac {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-81276ac .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Drawing Trumps<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-dca70e8\" data-block-id=\"dca70e8\"><style>.stk-dca70e8 {margin-bottom:24px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Drawing trumps means forcing opponents to use their trump cards so they cannot ruff your winners.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8fde33b\" data-block-id=\"8fde33b\"><style>.stk-8fde33b {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>When to Draw Trumps Immediately:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When you don\u2019t need to ruff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When opponents might ruff your side suit winners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-264fe66\" data-block-id=\"264fe66\"><style>.stk-264fe66 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>When NOT to:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When dummy has short suits to ruff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When you need crossruffs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-8739127\" data-block-id=\"8739127\"><style>.stk-8739127 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-8739127-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c2da654\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c2da654\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c2da654-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c2da654-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-1263ef4\" data-block-id=\"1263ef4\"><style>.stk-1263ef4 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-1263ef4 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tips:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Count how many trumps opponents started with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If missing 4 trumps, expect a 3\u20131 split sometimes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draw trumps in 2\u20133 rounds if possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-c3233d2 is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"c3233d2\"><style>.stk-c3233d2 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-c3233d2 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-9581033\" data-block-id=\"9581033\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-9581033-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c4475e8\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c4475e8\"><style>.stk-c4475e8-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c4475e8-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c4475e8-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-a2683bf\" id=\"defensive-strategy\" data-block-id=\"a2683bf\"><style>.stk-a2683bf {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-a2683bf .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Defensive Strategy<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-7999435\" data-block-id=\"7999435\"><style>.stk-7999435 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Defenders must:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Count declarer\u2019s tricks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signal attitude<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish defensive suits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-6402776\" data-block-id=\"6402776\"><style>.stk-6402776 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Opening Lead Guidelines<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Contract Type<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Best Lead<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Suit contract<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Top of sequence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Notrump<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4th highest from longest suit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Partner bid a suit<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Lead partner&#8217;s suit<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-074042d\" data-block-id=\"074042d\"><style>.stk-074042d {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-074042d-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-44e203d\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"44e203d\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-44e203d-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-44e203d-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c39c433\" data-block-id=\"c39c433\"><style>.stk-c39c433 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-c39c433 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Defensive Tips:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Third hand plays high.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second hand plays low.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Count declarer\u2019s winners constantly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t help declarer by leading away from unsupported honors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-21cd564 is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"21cd564\"><style>.stk-21cd564 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-21cd564 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-9b400d5\" data-block-id=\"9b400d5\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-9b400d5-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b485177\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b485177\"><style>.stk-b485177-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b485177-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b485177-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-ea9a637\" id=\"planning-the-entire-hand\" data-block-id=\"ea9a637\"><style>.stk-ea9a637 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-ea9a637 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Planning the Entire Hand<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-5b75f51\" data-block-id=\"5b75f51\"><style>.stk-5b75f51 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Before playing from dummy:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Count winners or losers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify danger suits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan entries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide your order of play.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-52f3fbe\" data-block-id=\"52f3fbe\"><style>.stk-52f3fbe {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Experts do this before playing trick one.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ad110de\" data-block-id=\"ad110de\"><style>.stk-ad110de {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:4px !important;padding-top:8px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ad110de-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0357299\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0357299\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0357299-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0357299-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-060f32d\" data-block-id=\"060f32d\"><style>.stk-060f32d {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-060f32d .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Master Strategy Tips:<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t play automatically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think in terms of percentages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combine your chances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use information from the bidding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay calm, panic causes mistakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-4bca1bd is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"4bca1bd\"><style>.stk-4bca1bd hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-4bca1bd {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ae998c8\" data-block-id=\"ae998c8\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ae998c8-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b3bcc5c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b3bcc5c\"><style>.stk-b3bcc5c-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b3bcc5c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b3bcc5c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-12f935a\" id=\"common-beginner-mistakes\" data-block-id=\"12f935a\"><style>.stk-12f935a {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-12f935a .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Common Beginner Mistakes<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Mistake<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why it Hurts<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Playing too fast<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">No clear plan<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Forgetting to count trumps<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Surprise ruffs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Finessing automatically<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ignoring better lines<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ignoring entries<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Blocked suits<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Not watching discards<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Lost information<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-d893976 is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"d893976\"><style>.stk-d893976 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-d893976 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-b00ee67\" data-block-id=\"b00ee67\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-b00ee67-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-497fa91\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"497fa91\"><style>.stk-497fa91-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-497fa91-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-497fa91-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-0e24a1f\" id=\"the-big-strategic-principle\" data-block-id=\"0e24a1f\"><style>.stk-0e24a1f {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-0e24a1f .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">The Big Strategic Principle<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-53e4fd4\" data-block-id=\"53e4fd4\"><style>.stk-53e4fd4 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Bridge play is about:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Counting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Probability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication (defensively)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-85679df\" data-block-id=\"85679df\"><style>.stk-85679df {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Bidding chooses the contract.<br>Play determines success.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-007180a is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"007180a\"><style>.stk-007180a hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-007180a {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-34bb555\" data-block-id=\"34bb555\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-34bb555-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2101d69\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2101d69\"><style>.stk-2101d69-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2101d69-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2101d69-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-7d5a76f\" id=\"final-thought\" data-block-id=\"7d5a76f\"><style>.stk-7d5a76f {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-7d5a76f .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-text-align-left\">Final Thought<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-787c277\" data-block-id=\"787c277\"><style>.stk-787c277 {margin-bottom:18px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">At beginner level \u2192 You focus on cards.<br>At intermediate level \u2192 You count distribution.<br>At advanced level \u2192 You think in probabilities.<br>At expert level \u2192 You think about what opponents think you think.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-e085145\" data-block-id=\"e085145\"><style>.stk-e085145 {margin-bottom:19px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">Master tricks.<br>Master planning.<br>Master tempo.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-fe9fb90\" data-block-id=\"fe9fb90\"><style>.stk-fe9fb90 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">That\u2019s how contracts are made, and defeated.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-e215bcc is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"e215bcc\"><style>.stk-e215bcc hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-radius:calc(2px \/ 2) !important;height:2px !important;}.stk-e215bcc {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e81b182\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e81b182\"><style>.stk-e81b182 {align-self:flex-start !important;top:120px !important;position:sticky !important;}.stk-e81b182-container{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;border-top-left-radius:16px !important;border-top-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:16px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;}.stk-e81b182-container:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-e81b182 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 33.3% !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e81b182-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e81b182-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-99e56ee\" id=\"rules-summary\" data-block-id=\"99e56ee\"><style>.stk-99e56ee {margin-bottom:16px !important;}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Rules summary<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider has-text-align-left stk-block stk-c647cec is-style-bar\" data-block-id=\"c647cec\"><style>.stk-c647cec hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;border-radius:calc(1px \/ 2) !important;height:1px !important;}.stk-c647cec {margin-bottom:16px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-abae07e\" data-block-id=\"abae07e\"><style>.stk-abae07e-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:16px !important;flex-wrap:wrap !important;--stk-flex-grow:0 !important;row-gap:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-abae07e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c9b8e23\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c9b8e23\"><style>.stk-c9b8e23-container{background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:8px !important;border-top-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:8px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:16px !important;padding-bottom:16px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}.stk-c9b8e23-container:hover{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}.stk-c9b8e23-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}.stk-c9b8e23-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-c9b8e23 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c9b8e23-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c9b8e23-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-7f4c7be\" data-block-id=\"7f4c7be\"><style>.stk-7f4c7be {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-7f4c7be .stk-block-text__text:hover{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\">\u2663<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\ufe0f Basics:<\/strong><br><em>Object, setup, players<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/the-basics-object-setup-players\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8513210\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8513210\"><style>.stk-8513210-container{background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:8px !important;border-top-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:8px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:16px !important;padding-bottom:16px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}.stk-8513210-container:hover{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}.stk-8513210-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}.stk-8513210-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-8513210 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8513210-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8513210-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8bdc2bf\" data-block-id=\"8bdc2bf\"><style>.stk-8bdc2bf {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-8bdc2bf .stk-block-text__text:hover{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\">\u2666<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\ufe0f Bidding:<\/strong><br><em>How to make a contract<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/understanding-bridge-bidding\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8443c75\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8443c75\"><style>.stk-8443c75-container{background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:8px !important;border-top-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:8px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:16px !important;padding-bottom:16px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}.stk-8443c75-container:hover{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}.stk-8443c75-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}.stk-8443c75-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-8443c75 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8443c75-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8443c75-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-1485f19\" data-block-id=\"1485f19\"><style>.stk-1485f19 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-1485f19 .stk-block-text__text:hover{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\">\u2665<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\ufe0f Play:<\/strong><br><em>Tricks and strategy<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1fcbdac\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1fcbdac\"><style>.stk-1fcbdac-container{background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:8px !important;border-top-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:8px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:16px !important;padding-bottom:16px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}.stk-1fcbdac-container:hover{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}.stk-1fcbdac-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}.stk-1fcbdac-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-1fcbdac {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1fcbdac-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1fcbdac-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-0950e65\" data-block-id=\"0950e65\"><style>.stk-0950e65 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-0950e65 .stk-block-text__text:hover{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\">\u2660<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\ufe0f Scoring:<\/strong><br><em>How points are counted<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/scoring-how-points-are-counted\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-26cc87e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"26cc87e\"><style>.stk-26cc87e-container{background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:8px !important;border-top-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:8px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:16px !important;padding-bottom:16px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}.stk-26cc87e-container:hover{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}.stk-26cc87e-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}.stk-26cc87e-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-26cc87e {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-26cc87e-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-26cc87e-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b4e4db7\" data-block-id=\"b4e4db7\"><style>.stk-b4e4db7 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-b4e4db7 .stk-block-text__text:hover{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>\ud83c\udccf Conventions:<\/strong><br><em>Standard bidding systems<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/bridge-basics\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0423e37\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0423e37\"><style>.stk-0423e37-inner-blocks{justify-content:space-between !important;align-items:center !important;}.stk-0423e37-container{background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:8px !important;border-top-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:8px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:8px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:16px !important;padding-bottom:16px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}.stk-0423e37-container:hover{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}.stk-0423e37-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}.stk-0423e37-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-0423e37 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0423e37-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk--block-horizontal-flex stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0423e37-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-5d11fb5\" data-block-id=\"5d11fb5\"><style>.stk-5d11fb5 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-5d11fb5 .stk-block-text__text:hover{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>\ud83d\udcd6 Glossary:<\/strong><br><em>All the bridge terms<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-eb49f0a\" data-block-id=\"eb49f0a\"><style>.stk-eb49f0a {margin-right:16px !important;margin-bottom:12px !important;}.stk-eb49f0a .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{height:16px !important;width:16px !important;}.stk-eb49f0a .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-eb49f0a .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-34876, #9dc4eb) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-eb49f0a\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-eb-49-f-0-a-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-eb-49-f-0-a-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M432,320H400a16,16,0,0,0-16,16V448H64V128H208a16,16,0,0,0,16-16V80a16,16,0,0,0-16-16H48A48,48,0,0,0,0,112V464a48,48,0,0,0,48,48H400a48,48,0,0,0,48-48V336A16,16,0,0,0,432,320ZM488,0h-128c-21.37,0-32.05,25.91-17,41l35.73,35.73L135,320.37a24,24,0,0,0,0,34L157.67,377a24,24,0,0,0,34,0L435.28,133.32,471,169c15,15,41,4.5,41-17V24A24,24,0,0,0,488,0Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/bridge-glossary\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-321635d\" data-block-id=\"321635d\"><style>.stk-321635d {margin-bottom:40px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-321635d-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5f95081\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5f95081\"><style>.stk-5f95081-container{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-left-radius:20px !important;border-top-right-radius:20px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:20px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:20px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:20px !important;padding-right:16px !important;padding-bottom:20px !important;padding-left:16px !important;}.stk-5f95081-container:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5f95081-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5f95081-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-286c704\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" data-block-id=\"286c704\"><style>.stk-286c704 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}.stk-286c704 .stk-block-heading__text{line-height:47px !important;font-weight:400 !important;}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-10a94ed stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"10a94ed\"><style>.stk-10a94ed {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:16px !important;}.stk-10a94ed:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-099de3b stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"099de3b\"><style>.stk-099de3b-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-099de3b {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-099de3b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-099de3b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-a94c4bf\" data-block-id=\"a94c4bf\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-dc58492\" id=\"how-do-you-win-more-tricks-in-bridge\" data-block-id=\"dc58492\"><style>.stk-dc58492 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:24px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:400 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-dc58492 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:24px !important;}}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">How do you win more tricks in bridge?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-06764a6\" data-block-id=\"06764a6\"><style>.stk-06764a6 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-06764a6 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-06764a6\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-06764-a-6-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-06764-a-6-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-06764a6\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-06764-a-6-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-06764-a-6-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5eac2af stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5eac2af\"><style>.stk-5eac2af-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-5eac2af {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-5eac2af:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5eac2af-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5eac2af-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-981ce03\" data-block-id=\"981ce03\"><style>.stk-981ce03 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}.stk-981ce03 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:500 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-981ce03 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">To win more tricks in bridge, you must first make a clear plan before playing to trick one. In notrump contracts, count your immediate winners and identify how to develop extra tricks by establishing long suits or taking finesses. In suit contracts, count your losers and look for ways to eliminate them by ruffing in dummy, discarding on long suits, or drawing trumps at the right time. Careful counting, planning, and timing are the keys to maximizing your trick-taking potential.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-bf06529 stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"bf06529\"><style>.stk-bf06529 {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:16px !important;}.stk-bf06529:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3a3355a stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3a3355a\"><style>.stk-3a3355a-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-3a3355a {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3a3355a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3a3355a-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-6887201\" data-block-id=\"6887201\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-f3a9f26\" id=\"what-is-the-best-strategy-for-playing-a-suit-contract-in-bridge\" data-block-id=\"f3a9f26\"><style>.stk-f3a9f26 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:24px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:400 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-f3a9f26 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:24px !important;}}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">What is the best strategy for playing a suit contract in bridge?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-01324a2\" data-block-id=\"01324a2\"><style>.stk-01324a2 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-01324a2 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-01324a2\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-01324-a-2-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-01324-a-2-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-01324a2\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-01324-a-2-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-01324-a-2-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2485bbe stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2485bbe\"><style>.stk-2485bbe-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-2485bbe {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-2485bbe:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2485bbe-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2485bbe-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-e5774a1\" data-block-id=\"e5774a1\"><style>.stk-e5774a1 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}.stk-e5774a1 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:500 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-e5774a1 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">The best strategy in a suit contract is to count your losers and decide how to eliminate them. In most cases, you should draw opponents\u2019 trumps early to prevent them from ruffing your winners. However, if you need to ruff losers in dummy, delay drawing trumps. Successful suit play depends on managing trumps carefully, using dummy efficiently, and planning the order of play before committing to your first move.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-3b1bf8c stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"3b1bf8c\"><style>.stk-3b1bf8c {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:16px !important;}.stk-3b1bf8c:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e7eba14 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e7eba14\"><style>.stk-e7eba14-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-e7eba14 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e7eba14-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e7eba14-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-97c8f67\" data-block-id=\"97c8f67\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2bd8dcc\" id=\"what-is-a-finesse-in-bridge-and-when-should-you-use-it\" data-block-id=\"2bd8dcc\"><style>.stk-2bd8dcc .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:24px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:400 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-2bd8dcc .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:24px !important;}}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">What is a finesse in bridge and when should you use it?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-328e62f\" data-block-id=\"328e62f\"><style>.stk-328e62f .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-328e62f .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-328e62f\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-328-e-62-f-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-328-e-62-f-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-328e62f\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-328-e-62-f-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-328-e-62-f-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f620967 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f620967\"><style>.stk-f620967-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-f620967 {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-f620967:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f620967-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f620967-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-183ce45\" data-block-id=\"183ce45\"><style>.stk-183ce45 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}.stk-183ce45 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:500 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-183ce45 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">A finesse is a technique used to win a trick by playing toward a lower honor card, hoping a higher missing honor is positioned favorably. For example, if you hold Ace-Queen and are missing the King, you may lead toward the Queen hoping the King is behind it. A finesse typically has about a 50% chance of success when one key honor is missing. You should use a finesse when it offers the best percentage play or when combining it with other chances increases your overall probability of making the contract.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-8c89bfd\" data-block-id=\"8c89bfd\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-8c89bfd-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8fd8b23\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8fd8b23\"><style>.stk-8fd8b23-container{background-color:#2b71b3 !important;border-top-left-radius:20px !important;border-top-right-radius:20px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:20px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:20px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:32px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:32px !important;padding-left:64px !important;}.stk-8fd8b23-container:before{background-color:#2b71b3 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-8fd8b23-container{padding-top:32px !important;padding-right:32px !important;padding-bottom:32px !important;padding-left:32px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8fd8b23-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8fd8b23-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c6fe667\" data-block-id=\"c6fe667\"><style>.stk-c6fe667 .stk--block-align-c6fe667{align-items:center !important;}.stk-c6fe667-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;flex-wrap:wrap !important;--stk-flex-grow:0 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-c6fe667 .stk--block-align-c6fe667{align-items:center !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 767px){.stk-c6fe667-column{--stk-column-gap:32px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}.stk-c6fe667 {--stk-col-order-1:2 !important;--stk-col-order-2:1 !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk--block-align-c6fe667 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c6fe667-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c8d7d5b stk-entrance\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c8d7d5b\"><style>.stk-c8d7d5b {--entrance-transform:translateY(80px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-c8d7d5b {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c8d7d5b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c8d7d5b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-6916a1f\" id=\"in-next-section\" data-block-id=\"6916a1f\"><style>.stk-6916a1f {margin-bottom:16px !important;}.stk-6916a1f .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:45px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;line-height:52px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-6916a1f .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:45px !important;}}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">In next section:<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-7590b0c\" id=\"lorem-ipsum\" data-block-id=\"7590b0c\"><style>.stk-7590b0c {margin-bottom:64px !important;}.stk-7590b0c .stk-block-text__text{font-size:20px !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-7590b0c .stk-block-text__text{font-size:20px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\"><strong>Scoring:<\/strong><em> <\/em><em>How points are counted<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-5e6e5bc\" id=\"lorem-ipsum\" data-block-id=\"5e6e5bc\"><style>.stk-5e6e5bc .stk-inner-blocks{column-gap:24px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button btn-primary-blue stk-block stk-282f9bc\" data-block-id=\"282f9bc\"><style>.stk-282f9bc .stk-button{padding-top:12px !important;padding-right:24px !important;padding-bottom:12px !important;padding-left:24px !important;background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-left-radius:80px !important;border-top-right-radius:80px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:80px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:80px !important;}.stk-282f9bc .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-282f9bc .stk-button:hover:before{box-shadow:0px 1px 3px 1px #abb5c04d 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class=\"stk-link stk-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/scoring-how-points-are-counted\/\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\">Go to next rules section<\/span><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-05f24f7\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"05f24f7\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-05f24f7 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(40% - 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.stk-img-wrapper img{object-position:0% 50% !important;}}<\/style><figure><a class=\"stk-link\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/learn\/bridge-basics\/rules\/scoring-how-points-are-counted\/\"><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-13740\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Capture-decran-2026-02-25-a-11.42.49.png\" width=\"1569\" height=\"1104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Capture-decran-2026-02-25-a-11.42.49.png 1569w, https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Capture-decran-2026-02-25-a-11.42.49-300x211.png 300w, https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Capture-decran-2026-02-25-a-11.42.49-1024x721.png 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Capture-decran-2026-02-25-a-11.42.49-768x540.png 768w, 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