Learn · Lesson 4
Discarding a loser
Throw a loser on dummy’s spare winner before you let the defenders in.
Step 1
The idea
When dummy has more winners in a suit than you have cards in it, the extra winner gives you a discard.
If the defenders have an ace to get in with, and tricks ready to cash, take the discard first, even before drawing trumps.
- Use it when
- You have one loser too many, and dummy has a spare winner in a side suit.
- How
- Cash the side suit and throw your loser, then draw trumps.
- Watch for
- A defender ruffing your winner. Take the discard only when a ruff is unlikely or would not matter.
Step 2
Plan the hand
You are South in 4♥. West leads the K♠. Before you play a card, work through the checklist: try each question, then check your answer.
1♥ – Pass – 2♥ – Pass – 4♥
Lead: K♠
Step 3
Watch it done
Before you play it yourself, see the whole hand played: the plan first, then one trick at a time. Nothing moves on until you tap Next.
Step 4
Play it yourself
Now it is your turn. Play the hand yourself, every card, against defenders who never make a mistake. It is a practice hand: no clock, no score, nothing on the ladder.
Use Hint if you are stuck and Take back to try again. If you play a card that loses the contract, you will be told why.
Tip: on a phone, turn it sideways to play. When you finish, Back to the lesson brings you back here to finish the lesson.
Remember
- Count: Four losers: the ♠6, the ♥A and two clubs. One must go.
- The danger: Lead a trump first and East wins the ♥A and the defence cash four tricks.
- The plan: Cash the diamonds and throw your losing spade, then draw trumps.
Now try it for real
Hand 3 of Challenge 4 in Declarer Challenge uses the same idea, with new cards. It is timed and scored, and goes on the ladder.