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

After hearing his partner bid nil, South bid conservatively, knowing he might have to sacrifice a trick to protect the nil. When West chose the five of hearts as the opening lead North played the eight. This was the proper card, but it also suggested he might have a problem in hearts. East ducked and South won the ten.

South attacked in diamonds, leading the king. Most Wests would instinctively take the ace, but West made the key play -- he ducked. South continued the jack of diamonds to East's queen, and the nine of hearts came back, winning. West later came in with the ace of diamonds to lead the killing third round of hearts, and North's nil was busted.

It is clear now why West held up the ace of diamonds. With no other entry to his hand, and fearing East had only two hearts, West had to save his entry for the proper moment.