South took an early diamond lead with his ace and saw that he had 10 easy moves if the missing trump split for 3-2. There is a small chance that this trump combination cannot be played to a loser—West starts with 10 doubletons or East starts with King 10 doubletons—but a good declarer can play this combination. A loser will focus on the best way to keep up.
If the Hearts go 3-2, any drama will play out, but what if the Hearts fall apart 4-1? The correct play is to guide the low heart to the dummy on the truck tow. If West were to start with the four with the king, he should duck the heart first. Declarer can return to his hand with the king of clubs and lead another low heart. West will raise this time with his king and lead another diamond. South will rub his hand and move the low heart to dummy’s jack. A spade to ace would allow him to draw the last trump and waste a spade with his hand on dummy’s clubs. Making four
If the Eastern King has four hearts, he will try his best to duck the first heart. Again, declarer will return to his hand with a club and lead another low heart. This time, East will lead the diamond by winning the jack with his king. South will move a club to dummy’s 10. He can then fix the east of his 10 hearts, draw a trump, and claim.
