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Bridge players should also be keeping an eye open for dangers -- the fourth letter of my "trade" acronym. In particular, it is hard to break the habits of a lifetime when a deal comes along that does not fit into a typical pattern. In today's, how should South plan the play in three no-trump, and how should East defeat him?

After a simple Stayman auction, West leads the heart nine, top of touching cards in a suit containing no honors.

South has eight top tricks: three hearts and five clubs. He can get a ninth winner from diamonds. The danger is that the defenders will take the first diamond trick and cash four spades. When declarer needs some help from the defenders, he should put them on the spot as quickly as possible. South should take the first trick with his ace, play a club to the queen, feigning a finesse, and call for a diamond.

Many Easts would play second hand low without even thinking. But an East who is used to deducing the danger will see that declarer has at least eight winners via three hearts and five clubs. If he is allowed to steal a diamond trick, he will be home.

East should dive in with the diamond ace and shift to the spade king. When it holds, he continues with his second spade and the contract dies.

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