Active defence

Board 20 is a good example for East to shine in defending 4H.

Analysis indicates it makes 8 tricks only.

Good to see 3 out of 6 pairs in 4H making, on less than adequate defence.

East has 3 certain tricks and now should be searching for others. How, where?

Not until you see the full hand do you see East must lead a club.

Two Easts got off to a promising start with the AS. The KS is my preference.

When Souths hand is revealed, East should realise West may be short in clubs.

If North opens 1NT with 3 clubs, West has a singleton.

Its Easts only chance to get more tricks, only because they hold the AH.

The result is two extra club ruffs, if East switches to a club at trick 2.

As a defender, you should try to visualise where to make extra tricks.

Actively think about possibilities and don't just passively take your tricks.

Often things don't wort out the way you hoped.

Every once in a while, you will smile.