The most important difference between sitting West and East arises from the fact that, as West, you are playing after South (assuming he is on lead) with the open hand behind you, so that you are far more knowledgeable as to what you are up against than when you are sitting East and dummy has led towards the closed hand. You may then be relatively ignorant of what lies behind you. This major difference, often underestimated, has an important bearing on both the importance and nature of defensive signaling, that is, when to give attitude, count, suit preference, or other relevant information--typically solidity or the lack of it--in the hand currently being played.

This book considers defensive problems arising after the opening lead and dummy have been tabled and play has proceeded for one or more tricks. The tools include switching, ruffing, blockages, endplays, squeeze plays, and communications.

Seventy-six problems, followed by their solutions, give you the chance to demonstrate your new-found knowledge.