Delaying the drawing of trumps

While it is prudent with the majority of hands to draw the opponents trumps as early as possible, there are occasions when this action should be postponed. The three most common reasons are:-

1. A crucial discard may need to be taken early.
2. Ruffs may be needed in the short trump hand.
3. The trump suit may be needed as entries for going to and fro.

Three examples will illustrate these situations.

The contract is four spades and the lead is the queen of diamonds. Declarer potentially has four losers in two diamonds, one club and a trump. The diamond loser can be avoided if before drawing trumps, the hearts are played. A diamond can then be discarded on a top heart.

Hearts are trumps and a club is led. Two extra tricks are available through ruffing in dummy if this task is tackled immediately. Bad news if astute opponents lead trumps initially and continue when you lose a spade. You only get one ruff and are held to nine tricks.

In a contract of four spades, the tenth trick must be developed from the club suit, and to allow for a 4:2 club break, the trumps in dummy must be used as entries. You can afford to draw one round initially but no more.

When you are ready, have a look at these practise hands which encompass concepts from all aspects of declarer play.