Everything In It’s Right Place

Hi all

Between the mummy and some Dead Sea Scrolls I found this dusty deal in my room. What I can remember is that I was unable to formulate a solid plan. I just started playing and finally ended up with ten miraculous tricks.

North
Kx
xx
Axx
KQTxxx

South
QJxxxx
KJ9x
KTx

North opened a weak NT and I ended up playing 4. When dummy hit the table (West led a ) I had nothing but vibrations and my gut, I saw no clear route to ten tricks. If I remember correctly I was busy with damage control instead of making. At first sight it seems there is just too much to do: draw trumps, develop and avoid losing too many tricks.

I took the lead in hand and crossed to the King of . Next a to my King and still no clouds to be seen. I exited with a small East taking with the Ace. After some thought East decided to cash the Ace and I ruff. A ruff brings down the Queen and I discard a on a high . West ruffs.

Huh? Yes, are 1-6.

West tries to give his partner a ruff but East has no trumps anymore. I’m in control now and claim ten tricks, losing two trumps and a .

North Dealer
EW Vul
North
Kx
xx
Axx
KQTxxx
West
AT98
T8xx
Q9xx
x
East
x
AQx
J8x
AJxxxx
South
QJxxxx
KJ9x
KTx

Did you spot East’s error? How can East put West on lead to play a second round of trumps?

Here’s how: if he had inserted his Queen he can duck the second round of , leaving West on lead with the Ten to play a killing trump.

I wonder how to summon this trance again where my subconsciousness takes over. These kinds of plans never work out when I’m paying attention or put a lot of sweaty effort in devising a plan.