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

You can disregard the bidding because North and South need to set someone - anyone - to win. They choose West as their victim. Seeing all 52 cards, how do North and South set West?

West leads the Q. North and South must win at least 12 tricks.

Submit your solution to Master Spades and receive credit for your success. Another fine construction from Big Chris.

Correct solution by Hal Jones (Trollpop) 02/05/02.
"My 7-page attached Word file contains my solution for Big Chris's 'Tough But Elegant' puzzle. I don't mind admitting I struggled for several days before figuring out the correct sequence. Tell Chris --- NO MORE! It's like my Sister-In-Law who brings over a picture puzzle for our family gathering every New Year's Eve. I can't go to bed until I finish the puzzle. LOL. -- Hal."

Correct solution by Todd MacMullin 01/03/03. "Thanks for the fun and keep them coming."