BRIDGE

South swiftly drew trump and, when the king of diamonds felled the queen, he could claim an overtrick, N-S +1460.

East's leap to six hearts at favorable vulnerability was well-judged. Although it is true that he owned nothing resembling a defensive trick, he declined to venture a grand slam. This action might prod South to bid seven spades - a contract which he had no desire to defend. A penalty double would earn N-S a fourtrick set for a paltry 800 points but this was never a consideration for South. He elected to bid six spades fearing that there could be a minor suit loser or spades might not break favorably. The grand slam is not a great contract, requiring a 3-2 trump division and South must bring home the diamond suit without loss. The 4-1 club break sinks seven clubs but there was no chance of reaching this strain in the auction.

It is not clear that N-S would reach a a grand slam in an uncontested auction. A diamond grand slam is probably best since declarer can cope with a foul division in either black suit. 7NT is also icy but would never be reached.