North 7 5 4 A J 10 2 A Q 8 7 A 2 West 8 2 K 5 3 10 9 5 4 3 J 10 8 East A Q 9 8 7 K J 6 2 7 6 4 3 South K J 10 9 6 3 Q 6 4 -- K Q 9 5 The bidding: North East South West 4 2 6 1 North led the A

Spades players debate the merits of bidding aggressively vs. bidding conservatively. What they are actually doing is describing their own playing skills.

Say whatever you wish about the North-South bidding. I happen to admire boldness. North got off to a good lead with the ace of clubs, South signaling with the nine. Another club was taken by South, and the five was returned for North to trump. So far, so good.

Now North tried the ace of hearts followed by the jack. West won his king and led a third heart. South won, but now had to lead spades from his hand. East took the queen, and his last club promoted West's eight to a winner. The ace of spades was the setting trick.

I would have to recommend to North that he lay off aggressive bidding for a while until he learns to handle the cards better. After ruffing the club at Trick Three, the only lead to consider is a spade. East can take his ace and still promote partner's eight, but South will pick up the queen of spades to earn his reward.