Minor contract

Contract : 4
Lead: Queen of Spades

			9 5 4 3
			8
			J 9 6 5 2
			A Q 6
	Q J 8 6	N W E S			K 10 2
	K 10 5 3				Q 9 7 4
	3				A 8
	K 9 5 2				J 10 8 4
			A 7
			A J 6 2
			K Q 10 7 4
			7 3

Check the points of the deal by verifying that South adds 6 D points to the 21 H points of the pair to play in Diamonds as Trumps. Explain that he has ten cards there and so 2 D points.

Let them play the contract, remarking that the declarer will play Trumps straight away.

Check the result: the deal is quite easy and will often be won. Congratulate those who have made an extra trick (advice 13.2).

Then take North-South's hands and make the create the game plan:

1)	Which is the base hand? Show that both hands contain as many trumps and therefore another criterion must be found. Choose the stronger hand.
2)	How many losers? Insist that beyond the two losers in Clubs and Spades, and the Ace of Diamonds which must be conceded, there are three losing Hearts in South's hand despite North's singleton.
3)	How to eliminate enough of them? Remind them that they can afford three losers to make the contract of 4. Trumping the three losing Hearts is therefore enough to make the contract.

Then ask the following question: "Can you play Trumps straight away?"

There is nothing obvious: so put them on the track by asking how many Trumps they need to trump three Hearts. Make them think about how many Trumps the opponents have and the use to which they could put them. Show finally that they can play Trumps almost without risk and doing so will avoid being embarrassed by the opponents' Trumps later.

Ask if they have enough to make ten tricks and bring up the possibility of transforming another loser by attempting the King of Clubs finesse.

Underline the fact that seeking this extra trick does not put the contract in danger and that therefore there is every benefit in trying this finesse (advice 13.3).

Finally write on the board the following formula which gives the philosophy of the deal of the day: