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

On this deal, South overbid his hand slightly, on the basis that he liked its texture and because he felt he was the only good player at the table.

The defense found its tricks quickly enough, as East cashed his two top hearts and the ace of clubs. A second round of clubs went to West. Now West led the queen of hearts.

North trumped with the three of spades, and South performed an act of gallantry to let him win the trick, discarding a diamond. Surely North would make the obvious switch to spades. But to South's horror, North played the ace, king and a small diamond. East ruffed for the setting trick as South helplessly followed suit.

South was not protective enough. When West played the third heart, it was child's play to read North for the king of spades and the ace-king of diamonds. South had to protect his partner from himself. He needed to overtrump the heart and play spades, thus ensuring the bid.