This Bridge Guide encourages players to see the potential of weak hands. When the defenders know the standard opening lead guidelines and how to use signals and the Defenders’ Plan, they start to maximize the partnership’s trick-taking potential on defense, even when holding the weakest hand at the table.
Improve your declarer play. Make the most of the entries between declarer and the dummy, even some hiding in full view!
An entry is usually considered a high card to give declarer the chance to get to the dummy or to declarer’s hand. Yet an entry from one hand to the other has two parts. There is the winner in the hand you are trying to reach. Equally important is the lower-ranking Link Card that provides the transportation to the entry. Think of Entry as L’Entry as a reminder of the importance of the link card.
The Bridge Guide on Card Combinations is practical because although card combinations can be seen in isolation, a useful way to gain an understanding is to see them in the context of carefully prepared, instructional deals. This is a dynamic Bridge Guide that will improve your declarer play. You'll see how to effectively use Declarer's Plan; how to combine chances on Declarer's Checklist to increase the odds; to look for card combinations that provide more than a 50% chance; to know when to lead a high card instead of leading toward a high card; and when to watch out for the opponents.