Declarers should heed that old highway admonition. Hasty play can wreck any contract.

Today's declarer counted nine tricks at 3NT after forcing out the ace of diamonds. Without thinking, South won the first heart with the ace, unblocked the A-K-J of clubs and led a diamond to the queen. East ducked.

South then cashed the queen of clubs and continued diamonds. East won the third diamond and led another heart to dummy, and South wound up in the ditch: He never got the good diamond in his hand.

FIRST HEART

South couldn't succeed by forcing out the ace of diamonds before he unblocked his high clubs. He must plan before he plays -- and win the first heart in dummy.

South then takes the A-K-J of clubs and leads a diamond to the queen. If East ducks, South takes the queen of clubs before continuing diamonds. His ace of hearts is an entry to the fourth diamond.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S A 10 7 H Q J 5 2 D A 7 5 3 C 9 4. Your partner opens one spade, you respond two diamonds and he bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: A raise to three hearts would be timid. You have only 11 high-card points, but all will be useful. Instead of counting points, visualize some possible minimum hands for partner. A hand such as K Q 9 6 3, K 10 7 6, 8 2, A 3 should produce 10 tricks. I'd raise to four hearts without a qualm.