This article accompanies the quiz Playing the second hand

When playing a card on the second hand you should:

• Play low if first hand plays low
• Cover with a higher honor if first hand plays honor

Here are a couple of examples - refer to the board above

1. If declarer leads the ♦4 you follow with the ♦2. When declarer plays the ♦A, your ♦K will be promoted, but if declarer plays the ♦10, your partner can win with the ♦J.
   However, when declarer leads ♦4 and you play the ♦K, declarer will win 2 tricks as they'll take your ♦K with the ♦A, meaning their ♦Q is high.
   
2. If declarer leads the ♦Q you should cover it with the ♦K. If declarer then plays the ♦A, your partner's ♦J will be promoted. If declarer plays the ♦10, then your ♦K wins.
   If you follow declarer's ♦Q with the ♦2, declarer will win 2 tricks; they win with the ♦Q now and later with the ♦A.

But, as you might expect there are also some exceptions.

Have a go at putting this into practice

About the Author

Oren Lidor is considered one of the best bridge teachers in Israel, is the author of 5 bridge books, and teaches bridge to people from all over the world on BBO.