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

Still burning from the previous deal, West eyed the seven of hearts with suspicion. "Is that a singleton?" he asked South. "It is. I cannot tell a lie." Not one to lose an ace again, South flew up with the ace of hearts and followed with the ace of diamonds. Looking smug, he exited with a second diamond.

North won the king and reeled off three heart winners on which South threw clubs. South ruffed the next card, a club, and led spades. Unable to take a single club trick, East-West were set, limited to two top trumps and West's two aces.

West took his heart ace too soon. He must play low at trick one. If South wishes to trump hearts thereafter, West may never get his ace. But East gets three club tricks instead to fulfill his side's bid. Tricks lost early in this manner almost always come back.