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

The bidding was reasonable all around, and North started play with the king and ace of hearts. South noted the fall of West's queen, but perhaps East didn't. When North led a third heart, East ruffed with the deuce. That was the error. South paused for a few seconds, and threw his jack of hearts, which was boss. That was the skill part.

East tried to cash his clubs, but South ruffed the second round. When South led out the spade tops, luck was with him as he drew all the trumps in three rounds. Now he led his last heart to partner's nine, and North's last heart was the setting trick.

South's jettison of the jack of hearts was an unblocking play to preserve an entry to North's hand. Had he not done so, East-West would survive the deal with one spade, one club and three diamond tricks.