A distinguishing feature of the advancing player is his ability to interpret information available from the bidding and play and apply that knowledge profitably. The more advanced player has the ability to search out and analyse things that didn't happen, thus basing his decisions on a more substantial database. Let's see how this might apply to today's deal.

North-South vulnerable  West deals

8 7 4 2 A Q 9 Q 10 3 9 7 4

A J 10 9 5 K 6 5 J 7 J 10 8

6 3 8 7 3 2 K 9 8 6 5 3 2

K Q J 10 4 A 6 5 4 2 A K Q

West	North	East	South
Pass	Pass	Pass	1
1	2	Pass	3NT
Pass	Pass	Pass

 Opening Lead: J

 With enough strength to compete over West's 1 overcall, North solves an awkward bidding problem by offering a somewhat atypical three-card diamond raise. South, with some reservations, has enough for 3NT.

 South takes West's J with the queen and plays on hearts. With the king onside, declarer has eight tricks, and playing on diamonds himself for a ninth would usually give up the lead and allow the defence to take enough spades to set the contract. The exceptions (ace to drop a singleton king, or queen from dummy to pin West's singleton jack) are quite obscure.

 South should reason that he has a better chance trying for an endplay. He cashes three clubs and three hearts, West following throughout, and plays a spade. When West finishes taking his four spades everyone is down two diamonds. West leads the 7. Should declarer play the ten or the king?

<The advancing player might credit West with the K as part of the basis for his overcall and so call for the queen. The more advanced player would carry his analysis further, remembering that West, the dealer, had not opened the bidding. With the K as his remaining unknown card, his hand would be:

  AJ1095 K65 K7 J108

 Most players would open that hand (13 points including distribution, good intermediates in his long suit and an easy rebid)but West had passed originally. If declarer "hears" the silent clue, he will play the 10 and make his contract.