The only other possible play, therefore, was a low spade from the closed hand.

South won in the dummy with the king and led a low spade.

He won the opening heart lead and immediately led a low spade to his queen.

She came to her hand with the diamond king and led a low spade.

Instead he called for a low spade, and East was helpless.

Knowing his partner held the jack, he led a low spade and the defense was in control.

He therefore made a good play by leading a low spade at the second trick.

Next came the second key play: a low spade lead away from the ace.

Now a low spade was led, putting West to a much more difficult test.

West played the heart ten and South called for a low spade from the dummy.