Vic:
What I (many others as well) refer to as the "Master Hand Method" is frequently the best way for Declarer to plan the play of a SUIT contract. It is non-functional for NO TRUMP contracts.
North would first pick a Master Hand (their hand in this case because it has the most trump). By definition, that makes South the Ruffing Hand.
The Ruffing Hand serves as a possible resource for fixing Master Hand losers. That is its only value. Declarer does not have to worry about Ruffing Hand losers - only whether the Ruffing Hand can help them fix the Master Hand.
Next Declarer identifies the Master Hand losers that need fixing.
Officially, Declarer spade suit has two losers (KQ are missing). But in reality (given that there are only 5 spades between their hand & dummy) there are three losers to fix. Declarer heart suit has one loser (A is missing - no fixing that one). Declarer diamond suit has three losers (AKQ are missing).
The total loser count in Declarer hand is seven which would put them down four. Can the Ruffing Hand help?
Yes, the Ruffing hand can potentially help big time. Two Master Hand losers (diamonds should be first choice) can be discarded on Ruffing Hand AK of clubs. As many as three Master Hand spade losers can be ruffed in dummy (but not if Declarer begins by pulling trump). The Ruffing Hand also poses the possibility of a successful finesse of the Diamond King (but finesses are only successful 50% of the time & should be avoided if better choices exist).
Declarers Plan - ruff spades ASAP (before leading trump) - discard diamond losers on club AK (do this first time they get to dummy) - do not voluntarily take the diamond finesse (take it only if East gets the lead & leads diamonds - cross your fingers that West gets the lead & leads diamonds) - a silent prayer or two never hurts either.
With all the potential fixes
the Ruffing Hand can provide, it looks to me like Declarer deserves to make
their contract. Ain't bridge a great game?
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