In our research, we observed a relatively rigid formula when declaring a notrump contract. Here is what we observed (to be clear, most aspects of this approach will lose matchpoints – very often a lot of matchpoints — in the long run):
Do the following without pausing for thought:
- Declare as if the auction had not occurred.
- For the first trick:
- If you have the Ace but not the King or Queen in the suit of the opening lead, duck the first trick.
- If you have only one stopper, but it isn’t the Ace, win your stopper at your first opportunity.
- If you have two stoppers, win the first trick.
- Win it as cheaply as possible.
- If you can win it cheaply in either hand, win it in your hand, not in the dummy.
- Next play your best (combined) suit.
- When playing your best suit, cash all of your winners.
Don’t stop to think until you’ve cashed all of the winners in your best suit.
Rather, we recommend taking a moment to consider the auction, the opening lead, and other relevant information, to develop a plan. Then, when ever anything surprising occurs, consider whether you should change your plan.