I can however retain water

A friend recently tested me with this: how do you play AJXX opposite K89x, for three tricks every time? I thought and pondered and pulled at my hair. I got out cards. I couldn't figure it out. Finally, the next morning, I went over all the options with him until we eliminated every bad choice. It took the two of us about twenty minutes. By the way once you know the answer, it's so very clear, and embarrassing that it was so hard to cipher out.

Last week, at work, I opened up Root's How To Play A Bridge Hand. (It's a great book) I read it about a paragraph at a time in between working. I'm sure I will finish the book this year. The first chapter is all about suit combinations. The thing I realize about reading is that my comprehension is sometimes pretty good, but I usually don't feel like I'll remember it at the table. I'm going to look for a way to make quizzes online and use that as a mnemonic tool.

I guess the upshot is that I'd like to be able to look at these problems a quickly reach the correct conclusions. Since that's not going to happen what I need is better habits and preparation at the table. I guess that means memorizing suit combinations. Consider this an open invitation to suggest quiz questions.