Any time declarer seems likely to ruff in the hand with shorter trumps, you want to strongly consider switching to a trump. Allowing declarer to ruff with the shorter trump hand is gifting declarer an extra trick.
There are other reasons to switch to trump. Most commonly, a trump switch is the only "safe" play as anything else might give up an extra trick. See if you can spot the scenarios where it's right to switch to a trump.
To improve your defense, you can purchase Larry's webinar series "Over My Shoulder Defense".
You are East.
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
|||
Pass | 1NT* | Pass | 2![]() |
All Pass |
*Semi-Forcing
Vul:None Dlr: South |
DUMMY/NORTH
|
|
YOU
|
The lead is the 3 (fourth best). Declarer plays low and your J wins the trick. What now?
Cash another high heart and then play a spade.
Switch to a spade.
Play the J.
Play the A
Something else.
You are East. Both vul.
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1NT | |||
Pass | 2![]() |
Dbl | 2![]() |
All Pass |
Partner leads the J. What is your plan?
Vul: None Dlr: South |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Overtake and continue hearts.
Overtake and switch to a spade
Overtake, play one more round of hearts and switch to a diamond
Overtake, play one more round of hearts and switch to the K
Other
You are West.
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1NT | |||
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass | 4![]() |
All Pass |
Vul:None Dlr: South |
DUMMY
|
YOU
|
You lead the K and partner plays the
2. Standard signals. What is your next play?
Q
10 or 9
Spade
Diamond
Club
You are East.
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
Pass | 1![]() |
|
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass | 4![]() |
All Pass |
Partner leads the 3. You win the
A. What next?
Vul: None Dlr: North |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Continue hearts
Switch to a spade
Switch to a diamond
Switch to a club
You are East. The auction is as follows:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass |
Pass | Dbl | Pass | 2![]() |
All Pass |
Partner leads the 5.
What is your plan after winning the A?
Vul:None Dlr: W |
DUMMY
|
|
YOU
|
A
Low spade
Continue with the 8
Play the 3
Play a club