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

Forced to lead a heard from that ugly holding, most experienced players would automatically play their highest. After all, partner might have a singleton intermediate card. But South had been counting. Everyone had followed to three rounds each of diamonds and clubs. North would not go nil with more than three spades. Therefore, North likely had three or four hearts, and they must include one small heart. South's next play drew a gasp of astonishment from the defenders and a worried frown from Partner--he placed on the table the deuce of hearts! Only a bumbling beginner or a brilliant expert would make this move. Yet it is the winning play.

West studied this card for a while, as well he might. Finally, he made the good move of covering with his king. East overtook with the ace, making South's queen the master heart, and returned the three of hearts. Once again South rose to the occasion -- retaining the queen, he played his low card a second time! When West had to win the seven of clubs, the hand was effectively over. One nil, bid and made.

Had South started hearts with his high card, even if it were the ace, North's nil would have been sunk on the third round of the suit. I call this the submarine attack because it starts from way, down deep.