Boris Spassky had that incredible 21-game World Chess Championship match against Bobby Fischer in 1972. Spassky said, “When you play Bobby, it is not a question if you win or lose. It is a question if you survive.” Fischer won that match by 13.5 to 7.5, despite forfeiting the second game.

At the bridge table, the declarer enjoys a huge advantage, but he is sometimes flying blind after an uncontested auction. The defenders, in contrast, have always heard bids by their opponents. They should use this information to try to checkmate the declarer – as in today’s deal.

South is in four spades. How can the defenders prevail after West leads the heart ace ?

East has no reason to want his partner to shift at trick two, so he should encourage with his heart eight – always play the highest card you can afford. West cashes the heart king and continues with his last heart. What should East do after taking that trick?

East should count the high-card points. He has eight, there are 13 in the dummy, and partner has already produced seven. That leaves only 12 unaccounted for. South must have the spade ace-king and diamond ace. Also, since South is known to have at least six spades and three hearts, the defenders cannot take another side-suit trick. So, they need a trump trick. East should lead his last heart. When West ruffs with the spade eight, it effects an uppercut and gains a trump trick for East.

When you have taken every possible side-suit trick, give a ruff-and-sluff.