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

East won the heart jack and returned the diamond seven, forcing South to win the ace. South exited with the ten of hearts. In with the king, East returned a third heart -- say, didn't we just see this hand? We have the same players as before, just a new deal. This time South discarded the deuce of diamonds.

Since diamonds no longer looked promising, East shifted to clubs; two tricks later, North was munching on the queen of clubs. Once again, North lashed out at his partner. "All you had to do was ruff the third heart and push spades! So obvious!" With his tendency to berate lesser players, North has all the promise of a budding Master.