H. A, 10, 8

D. Q, J, 10, 3

C. A, K, 7, 5

SouthS. A, K, 3

H. K, J, 9, 7, 6

D. A, 7, 6, 4

C. 3

The bidding went as follows: S. N.

1H - 2C

3D - 4H ………..

I was sitting South and, with partner’s support for my hearts and a singleton club, I felt encouraged to investigate a slam. I got to 6H.

Partner produced a better hand than I had any right to expect, and the contract depended on one out of two finesses being right.

A club was led which I took with the Ace followed by the King on which I threw the losing 3 of spades.

I had no choice with the diamond finesse - I had to lead the Queen and let it run. But with the hearts there was a choice. I could lead a small heart from my hand towards the 10 hoping the Queen was on my left, or small from dummy towards the Jack. Pure guesswork - I took the first option and lost.

The diamond finesse also failed - one off for a bottom! Ironically, if the 10 had been a humble 3 then I’d have had no choice but to take option two and we’d have got a top.

That’s Bridge for you!