Both sides vulnerable. South deals. North S: A K 7 2 H: 9 6 4 D: A 9 5 3 C: 8 2 West East S: Q J 10 8 6 3 S: 9 5 4 H: K J 8 2 H: 10 7 5 D: K 4 D: 8 7 6 C: K C: 10 9 5 3 South S: Void H: A Q 3 D: Q J 10 2 C: A Q J 7 6 4 The Bidding: South West North East 1C 1S 1NT Pass 2D Pass 3D Pass 4NT Pass 5H Pass 6C (All Pass) opening Lead: SQ We were playing rubber bridge when I "took a shot" at this small slam. I could have played in diamonds but with a spade void I wanted the trump length. The opening lead gave me two heart discards. I wanted to test diamonds before playing clubs so I played a heart to the ace and played the queen of diamonds. West ducked and I held my breath and called for the three. East played the six and I was halfway home. The jack of diamonds was covered by the king and the ace from dummy. I led a small club next and East played the three. I played the jack, losing to the king. The bad news was that I had no way to pick up the ten of clubs and as a result, I was down one. Thinking about the hand later, I realized that the club finesse was a knee jerk play. The only holding that gains a trick is when East holds specifically the KX of clubs. Anytime clubs break 3-2 the contract makes. The safest play is to just plunk down the ace of clubs. Now, any 3-2 club break plus any 4-1 holding with a singleton king works just as well. Maybe next time I will see it in time to make the right play.