~Learn Bridge–Session 3

Once the bidding is complete, declarer’s LHO makes the first play, the opening lead. Then declarer’s partner (the Dummy) faces his cards, with trumps on his right, alternating colors, with the high cards in each suit nearest to the dummy. Declarer tells Dummy which card to play throughout the hand. Dummy can take no action to assist in the play of the hand and essentially makes no comment during the round (with a very few exceptions).

The play and the defense of each hand is a contest between declarer and the opponents, each of whom attempts to manipulate their cards to take the greatest number of tricks possible. There are time-tested lead preferences, partnership signals, defensive strategies, and declarer playing techniques that determine the final results of each hand. All this knowledge is obtained through study and experience.

Associated reading:
~Bridge Leads

~Opening Leads

~Hand #2