What card do I play, fourth trick? Pg 7

The correct play on the fourth trick is not always obvious.

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One must closely observe and analyze each hand as it unfolds. It is to your benefit to understand the underlying principles behind the different possible scenarios. Why? Because each will affect the outcome and make a difference in how the hand is played.

Look at the example below:

The dealer is in the South seat and has turned up the 9 of diamonds. First and second seat pass. The third seat(E) orders the dealer to pick the 9. After placing the 9 in his hand, the dealer discards the 9 of spades.

West has the first lead and starts with the ace of hearts. North is void and trumps using the ace of diamonds. East follows suit and South throws off the 9 of spades. The maker's opponents in N/S have one trick. One trump has been played.

The ace of clubs is the next led by North. East trumps with the king. South and West's only option is to follow suit. The maker now has the first trick with two trump played.

Now the maker(E) puts the right on the table. South follows with the 9 and West follows using the queen. North, having already played his only trump, throws off the queen of spades. The maker has two tricks with five trump played.

Once again, the maker has the lead and plays the king of spades. He needs one more trick and is hoping either the king is good or his partner can trump.

South pauses for a second (a clear sign he's trying to decide what to play) and then throws off the jack of clubs. South knows there is one trump left somewhere, most likely in the maker's hand. The only way for his team to achieve a euchre is for his partner(N) to take this trick.

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