East-West vulnerable. South deals. North S: 8 H: Q 6 4 2 D: K J 10 9 8 5 4 2 C: Void West East S: A 10 4 3 2 S: Q J 9 5 H: 9 7 H: K D: 6 D: A Q 3 C: 8 7 6 5 2 C: K 10 9 4 3 South S: K 7 6 H: A J 10 8 5 3 D: 7 C: A Q J The Bidding: South West North East 1H Pass 1NT Pass 2H Pass 4H Pass Pass Pass Opening lead: D6 Playing in a matchpoint duplicate game I held the North cards. My partner and I were playing two over one and my partner opened one heart. I can't remember ever making a game forcing bid with only six high card points, but the distribution was amazing and it would not take much to get me into slam range. When partner could do no more than bid two hearts I took a deep breath and settled for the heart game. The diamond opening lead was hopeful but futile. A low diamond was played from the dummy and East won the queen. I am sure that East was hoping for a trump promotion when he returned the three of diamonds, but declarer trumped with the ten of hearts and then played the ace. When the king fell he pulled another round of trump, cashed the ace of clubs and went about the business of setting up the diamonds, making six for a very good score. This hand once again displayes the power of distribution. Counting points is important but evaluating the trick taking potential of a hand is just as important.