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

Remember the Rule of Twelve, which cautions players about dumping middle cards when the total is 12 tricks? It also applies to a 13 total!

On West's opening lead, North's ingrained habit of playing middle cards took over. The eight was covered by the nine and ten, and taken by South's jack. The ace of hearts won the second trick, and West ruffed the heart continuation. West played two top spades and exited with a low club to South's ace.

South played another heart, ruffed by West. Now a third club forced North's king, but West had two club winners left to go with his six spade tricks to fulfill his side's bid. North's nine of clubs, played so casually at Trick One, would have been the setting trick.

"Not bad," South glowered. "We made our bid exactly." The sarcasm was completely lost on North, who beamed. "Right. No bags!"