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

"Should I take my winners immediately?" There is no correct answer. You can rush to cash your winners or be patient; either strategy may backfire.

South hurried to collect his two heart tricks lest the mice get at them. Then he played the king of clubs taken by the ace. East cashed his queen of hearts on which West pitched his last club. Now the jack of clubs, covered by South's queen, was ruffed. South had lost his club trick.

West's diamond switch was taken by the ace. East cashed his ten of clubs for his side's fifth trick and played a fourth round of hearts. South trumped, but East overtrumped for the setting trick.

On this hand it is clear that South would have prevailed if he had led clubs before releasing the second heart. Yet it is common to find deals where winners must be taken early or they will be lost. It's your guess!