End play must be premised by correct inferences drawn throughout
the previous play of the hand. The last three or four tricks often
present opportunities for brilliant play; opportunities which must be
lost without a clear understanding of the position of the cards.
It is in the end play that the novice is most deficient. He plays
the last few cards carelessly, without the least thought of the
possibilities they offer.
In striving to gain by clever end play, do not lose sight of the fact
that the game should be made before you incur unnecessary risks. With
the game once won, you are justified in resorting to any strategy
that may gain extra tricks.
The best play of the last cards of a hand is most often obtained by
throwing the lead. The following are examples of this, as well as
other methods of gaining tricks.