"I thought I was on the right track when I started the diamonds," today's declarer sighed.

"Even if you were," North muttered, wanting to kick his partner's caboose, "you might be on the wrong train."

South won the first spade with the queen and led a diamond. West played low, South finessed with dummy's jack and the contract went off the rails. East took the queen and led his last spade, and West set up his spades. When South led another diamond, West won and took two spades for down one.

South must lead a diamond at Trick Two, but if he trains his sights on nine tricks, he'll put up the king. (West surely has the ace for his opening bid.) South next lets the queen of clubs ride and is sure ...