Emil Zatopek from Czechoslovakia, who won four Olympic gold medals, including the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and marathon in 1952, said, “One day the factory sports coach, who was very strict, pointed at four boys, including me, and ordered us to run in a race. I protested that I was weak and not fit to run, but … a doctor said that I was perfectly well. So I had to run, and when I got started I felt I wanted to win. But I only came in second. That was the way it started.”

At the bridge table, we sometimes get only one chance to make or break a contract, but occasionally a second opportunity comes along. It would be irksome to miss both.

In this deal, South was in four hearts. West led the spade two. What happened after that?

South’s three-heart rebid was game-invitational. This was a tad cautious, but his singleton diamond rated to be a minus. North, though, with a suitable-looking maximum, had no hesitation in raising to four hearts.

An opening lead of the club eight would have defeated the contract quickly. However, West started with his lowest spade, a sensible choice. South saw 10 tricks: three spades, five hearts and two diamonds. Not wishing to risk suffering a ruff, he won with his spade jack, cashed the heart ace, and led another heart. But West took his second chance: He won with his king and, in answer to his partner’s club-10 discard, shifted to that suit. He ruffed the third round for down one.

Keep running toward your target.