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

I do not feel North overbid in first chair. His hand had too much "texture" to bid only one. South should have discarded on the diamond lead. It would be wrong to ruff for many reasons: you ruff enemy honors, not deuces; he had two natural spade tricks by not ruffing; and he misled his partner regarding game strategy.

South ruffed anyway and led a club to North's ace. A second diamond was played and ruffed by South. Now a club went to East, who had no trouble finding the spade lead. The ace, king and ten pulled North-South's teeth, and West took the next four tricks with clubs and diamonds. South made his ace of hearts on the last trick, but his side fell one short.

North said nothing. Like all strong players, he simply adjusted his bidding and playing to match his partner.