This deal was played on-line in preparation for a National Board-a-Match event. In this form of team scoring, a team wins 1 point (the maximum) for doing better than their counterparts on a deal. A "half" is scored for the same result and a "zero" for a worse result. With both sides vulnerable, South deal with: 

Q
AJ732
KQJ3
AQ10

He opened 1 which was passed around to RHO who overcalled with 1. South doubled (for takeout, of course)--it is important to fight for the partscore. LHO passed and partner took out to 2. This was doubled by RHO (again for takeout--aren't these low-level doubles useful?). Everyone passed (LHO converting the double for penalties). The K was led and declarer saw:

 

 

	87542 654 102 765
	Q AJ732 KQJ3 AQ10

After the K, West continued with the J and declarer trumped. It seems normal to play diamonds. Dummy's 10 goes to East's Ace and the 10 is returned. At least hearts aren't 5-0, but from West's leave-in, they are likely 4-1. This means 3 heart losers along with the spade and diamond tricks lost. Can declarer make the rest?

 

Let's say you win the A (holding up will only beget unappealing spade plays through you). You start to cash diamonds, throwing a club from dummy on the 3rd round (all following) to leave:  

	875 65 76
	J73 J AQ10

 On the final good diamond, LHO follows.

 

The instinct is to throw a club from dummy. However, this is sure to lead to down one. When you next play A and ruff a club, there is no way off dummy. LHO will get in and draw dummy's remaining trump.

 

In the diagrammed position, declarer should trump his diamond winner in dummy. Yes. Now a club to the queen (on the bidding, this is a pretty sure thing), the A and a club ruff in dummy. Declarer loses only the 5 top tricks for +670 and a win on the board. This was the Real Deal:

 

 

 

 

 

Vul: Both Dlr: South	87542 654 102 765
KJ KQ98 7654 J84		A10963 10 A98 K932
	Q AJ732 KQJ3 AQ10

Even though the diamonds were good, declarer had to ruff his own winner to make the contract.