Nancy Astor, who was the first female member of the House of Commons in England, said, “I refuse to admit that I am more than 52, even if that does make my sons illegitimate.” She had five sons and one daughter.

Bridge columnists know that it is dangerous to look at all 52 cards when trying to decide on the best line of declarer-play or defense. It is much better to start with 26 and move on from there, perhaps taking all 52 into account when discussing alternative plays.

Recently I received an email from Steve Schollnick of New Orleans. He wrote, “Excellent column on 8/13. South is in four hearts. West leads the spade jack. East ducks, and the subsequent ruff beats four hearts.” Schollnick then asked if I was planning a second column to show how South could have still made the contract.

I wasn’t – but I am now! How could South have made four hearts after winning the first trick with his spade king?

North’s four-diamond response was a splinter bid, showing at least game-going values in hearts with a singleton (or void) in diamonds.

There is only one way to stop West from gaining a spade ruff – South must keep East from winning a trick. Declarer cashes his heart ace, then plays clubs from the top, pitching his last three spades. Yes, West wins the fourth round of the suit, but he gets only three tricks: that club, the diamond ace and the heart king.

It is a textbook scissors coup … and I think it is the right line of play.