Get those winners established first

H.L. Hunt, a Texas oil tycoon who had three wives and 15 children, said, "Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work."

That is a perfect mantra for a bridge player, especially a declarer in no-trump. After counting your top tricks, decide what you need - how many extra winners - and decide where you will get them. You will "exchange" the opponents' winners while establishing tricks for yourself.

This deal occurred in a social game and highlighted how not to play.