This week, we are looking at covering an honor with an honor … or not. The basic rule is for the defender to cover the last of touching honors, but only when it might gain a trick. That is relatively easy to do when dummy leads the honor, but what about when it comes from declarer’s hand? Then the defender might not know which is the first and which is the last of touching honors. My recommendation is: When declarer leads the first honor, play low smoothly.

For example, look at today’s deal from the point of view of declarer. How should he plan the play in three no-trump after West leads the spade king?

North made a negative double to show four hearts (or perhaps five or six if his hand was too weak for a two-heart response).

Declarer starts with seven top winners: one spade, four diamonds and two clubs. He does not have time to play on hearts, so must hope to collect four club tricks – but who has the club queen?

Unless playing against experts or defenders who have read this column, there is a reliable method: After winning with his spade ace (presumably on the third round), South should immediately lead the club jack from his hand.

Maybe West will cover an honor with an honor. Or perhaps he will think about it for a while. If, though, he plays low without any hesitation, declarer should win with dummy’s ace and play a club back to his 10.

If West then produces the queen, South should congratulate his opponent on excellent defense.