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

The 100-point bonus for a successful nil is like the Song of the Sirens, leading sailors irresistibly to their doom. North knew better than to nil with such a hand, but there it was anyway.

West began with his singleton diamond, which South grabbed so he could start on the hearts. On three rounds of hearts, North shed clubs (West dropped the queen). East had the lead and played a diamond which West ruffed with the spade ten. A low club put East in again, and a third diamond was ruffed with the deuce. North was now the only player with four spades.

A heart and two clubs followed, but North had to play a spade to the tenth trick, as is so often the case with 4-spade nils. North got exactly what he deserved.

North's nil was bad not only because he had four spades. His hand had good offensive power, worthy of a three-bid, and good shape. If partner's strength had been outside the heart suit there would be an easy set on the opponents. Even without a good fit North-South would at least gain +60 points by joining the battle.