Although success in duplicate Spades requires slight differences in strategy from the regular game, some basic concepts will always be the same. Now, if only players knew what they are...

The current deal, taken from recent duplicate play, is a textbook lesson on setting. Neither East nor West could safely nil, so each made safe, conservative bids. But even their modest 3-bid was too high. North and South have an easy road to the set. After East takes the Ace of clubs, N/S should break spades quickly and lead trump. After West's spades are drawn North runs the clubs. There are eleven tricks available to North and South. In practice, not a single N/S pair found the set.

AJ32 A85 8 KQ653 1076 Q7 AKQ104 874 8 J10942 765 AJ102 KQ954 K63 J932 9 North East South West 4 1 4 2 East led the A

A common line of play was the club continuation by East at Trick 2. South cut, which didn't hurt his side, but did not lead spades. North and South fumbled around in the red suits until E/W scored two tricks. Then everyone squabbled over the bags.

Only one pair started in the right direction. After the A, East switched to a diamond. West scored a trick in the suit and tried to cash another, but North trumped with the 2. Next came the correct lead of a low spade. South won the K (harmless, but the Q is correct) and mercifully returned the suit. South played the J, winning, and East even helped out by tossing the J. The A drew West's last spade. Now it was time to roll out the clubs.

The K walked, but when North continued the Q, South threw the K! The set was still possible, but on the 6, South trumped! South cashed the Q to fulfill the N/S bid, and proudly exited with the 2 to let the opponents eat a few bags.

Some things never change. Whether the game is duplicate or regular, Spades is won with sets, not bags. Some day, perhaps, Spades players will figure this out.