Defense

1. When returning partner's opening lead, the lead back of a card lower than the Jack promises one higher or two lower cards in that suit.

2. If there is a problem of communication between the two hands, it may be necessary to return a Jack (or higher) to unblock.

3. If a partner needs to unblock at first trick, he does so in a Foster manner.

4. Without the makings of a Foster return, It may be right to switch suits.

5. Foster returns are also used by the player behind the dummy when they are leading a new suit in which dummy is worthless.

		a. Leading the Jack should deny a near card (J7x or worse).  
		
		b. Cards lower than the Jack show one higher honor or two 
		   lower.  
  
		c. Since the 9 is correct from J9x or from T9x or from 9yx;  
		   
			1) Then x is correct from 9x, and 
 
			2) The z is correct from 9zyx.  
  
  

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