The 90% rule

When you are virtually certain you know what the final contact should be my advice is to bid it immediately. The less you reveal the harder life will be for the defenders.

I remember declaring a tricky slam in a big tournament some years ago. I immediately played from dummy at trick one – it seemed clear which card to play. I won the trick in my hand and – with many clues from the bidding – was able to construct their hands precisely. But then I realised that I could no longer make my slam. I had needed to play a different card from dummy.

So always think before playing from dummy at trick one.