List of play techniques (bridge)

Techniques by declarer

• trumping or ruffing and crossruffing
• establishing a long suit
• finessing
• ducking
• blocking and unblocking
• managing entries
• maintaining tempo
• drawing trumps
• not drawing trumps

Advanced techniques by declarer

• card reading, also known as counting the hand
• dummy reversal
• endplay
• coups
• squeezes
• suit combinations play
• safety play
• applying the principle of restricted choice
• applying the theory of vacant places
• applying percentages and probabilities

Techniques by defenders

• making the opening lead
• signaling
• unblocking
• overtaking
• holding up.