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

You cannot include queens, jacks, and tens as count cards -- not unless you have so many of them that they are worth an ace. At his turn to bid, South saw only one winner in his hand, but the hand texture was so strong he readily bid 2.

On the diamond lead, West took his ace and king. The queen had not fallen so he led a low diamond for East to ruff. The same situation occurred when East switched to a heart. West took his ace and king and gave his partner another ruff. In both cases, South's possession of the queen of each suit forced a ruff from the East hand; each time East used a spade, his trump holding was weakened. These cards remained. (See second diagram.)

East exited with a low club, which went to North's king as South carefully played low. He wanted his partner on lead.

North Q J 9 -- 7 A K 3 West 5 4 10 3 J 6 2 East K 8 7 -- -- J 8 7 5 South A 10 3 -- -- Q 10 9 4

North easily found the right card -- the queen of spades. The queen held the trick as East refused to cover. Now came a low spade from North. When East played low again, South won his ten. The ace of spades dropped East's king. South played a club back to North's ace and studied the club return when East played low.

Have you been counting along with South? East showed up with exactly five spades, two hearts, and two diamonds. He must have started with four clubs. South played the ten of clubs and took the final trick with the queen to record the set. Note that South took four tricks on this deal.