Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian who was murdered in 1945, said, “If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.”

It is frustrating for a defender to see how to defeat the contract, but not have partner on the same train and let the contract make. Often, though, the defender who sees the winning line can get partner to run in the right direction by carding carefully – as in this deal.

South is in four hearts. West leads his fourth-highest spade. What should happen after that?

North should probably discount his spade queen, but he gets two points for the singleton given the eight-card heart fit. So his hand is strong enough for his three-heart rebid. South raised to game, of course, hoping for a suitable dummy.

East can see only two tricks: one spade and one diamond. Given the red suits in the dummy, East should realize that the defenders must also take two club tricks – and there is no time to waste. But after winning with his spade ace, which club should East lead?

When shifting to a new suit like this, it is important to follow the rule that a low card from length guarantees at least one honor in the suit. Here, East must lead the club nine. Then, when South covers with his king (or queen), West should signal enthusiastically with his eight. Shortly, East will get in with his diamond king and can lead the club three. The defenders will take one spade, one diamond and two clubs.