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

If you are going to take risks in the bidding, you mustn't lose your courage in the play. North's nil with the queen of trump is not a recommended action, since the odds of partner holding the ace or king are only 56%. But if you're trailing by 100 points, you have to take risks.

The diamond lead was won by East's king, South ducking, and the ace won the diamond continuation. South tried a third round but West ruffed with the jack of spades and played back the trump four. North played low. When East went in with the king of spades and South's ace appeared, North's lunch was eaten.

North should have shown as much backbone in his card play as in his bidding, and dropped the queen of spades on the first trump lead. It should be clear that he would not survive the nil unless Pard had a higher trump honor, so it would be best to clarify the situation at once.

The immediate play of the queen allows for a singleton spade honor in either the South or East hands.