North 5 4 3 K 8 7 6 5 Q 10 7 8 7 West 9 8 J 10 2 A K 9 6 2 J 10 2 East K J 10 A Q 9 3 5 4 3 9 6 5 South A Q 7 6 2 4 J 8 A K Q 4 3 The bidding: West North East South 2 1 3 6 West led the K

West got off to a normal start with the two top diamonds, East playing the discouraging three and four. Now faced with a choice of hearts or clubs, West misguessed by playing the jack of clubs. South won the queen, continued the king, and played the ace of clubs. Suddenly North came to life--she trumped her partner's ace!

North took her high diamond, on which South gratefully pitched his lone heart, and she switched to a spade. The opponents' bidding has left no question of the whereabouts of the king. South finessed successfully in spades and cashed the ace. No matter how South plays from this point, the opponents cannot fulfill their bid. Another set, thanks to a brilliant play by North.

Had partner not ruffed, the opponents would get a heart and at least two trump tricks. North's play was triple-action; she wanted to obtain the lead to play her winner, to break spades for Partner, and to lead spades so South could finesse against the king.