The lead of the spade queen would have been no better for the defense.

If West does not cover the spade queen, the play is similar.

The spade queen and heart king were likely to be with West.

South had been given the spade queen, but he did not need that.

East had to keep the spade queen, so he also gave up a club.

He took the spade queen and led a second club.

But he led the spade queen and ran it around to West's king.

That would leave East with the other high club and the spade queen.

But West thought he was safe in leading the spade queen.

His best hope of a good score, he decided, was to play East for the spade queen.