The tricks are there if you can get them

Rita Mae Brown, an author and playwright, said, "Education is a wonderful thing. If you couldn't sign your name, you'd have to pay cash."

At the bridge table, you hope that the price you pay to cash a winner is not so high that it costs your contract. Similarly, it can be frustrating to have the winners you need but be unable to cash them.

How should South set about cashing in on his four-spade contract after West leads the club queen?

In the auction, South's three-spade rebid was invitational, showing at least a six-card suit and about 11 points. North, with two trumps and fair values, took a shot at game (although passing wouldn't have been outrageous).

Declarer must start by counting his losers and winners. He has four potential losers: three hearts and one diamond. However, he has 10 apparent winners: six spades, two diamonds (once the ace has been dislodged) and two clubs. So, South can get home as long as he does not concede those four tricks.

Declarer needs to see that if he immediately draws trumps, he risks going down. If West, when in with his diamond ace, shifts to hearts, the defenders will get those four tricks. Also, if South tries to ruff a heart on the board, the defenders will play trumps.

Instead, declarer should drive out the diamond ace before drawing trumps. If West is tough, he will duck the first diamond, win the second, and play another club. Then, South must hope that the diamonds are breaking 3-3.