As the holiday season is practically upon us, let’s look at a few possible gifts for your bridge friends.

First, if she or he is not already a member, give a gift subscription to the American Contract Bridge League. Apart from allowing masterpoint collection and cheaper entry into events at the three North American Championships, every month members receive an 80-page magazine. The Bridge Bulletin contains information about those Nationals, book and software reviews, and many instructive articles aimed at various levels: newer, intermediate and advanced. Details are at acbl.org.

In this deal from the May 2015 issue, how should South play in six clubs after West leads a trump?

In the auction, two clubs was an inverted minor-suit raise, showing at least game-invitational strength and denying a four-card major. Two hearts indicated a heart stopper and denied a diamond stopper. Three diamonds promised a stopper in that suit and game-forcing values. After three controlbids, North jumped to six clubs with such great trumps and no more control-cards to show.

South could draw trumps and try both major-suit finesses. But instead of that 76 percent line, why not guarantee the contract? After removing the trumps, cash dummy’s diamonds, ruff the diamond six, and return to dummy with a trump. Then play a heart and cover East’s card as cheaply as possible.

Suppose West wins South’s nine with the jack. What does he do now? He is end-played. Whichever major he returns concedes the contract fulfilling extra trick.