When kibitzing the highest ranked Belgian mixed pair, one has the chance of watching the greats for two boards only. Sometimes that is just enough.

Board 24. Dealer West. Love All ª A Q J 7 6 2 © 8 5 3 ¨ 5 § J 4 2 ª K 10 9 4 ª 5 3 © K Q 9 4 © A 10 2 ¨ Q 9 6 ¨ A K 10 8 § K 5 § Q 10 9 7 ª 8 © J 7 6 ¨ J 7 4 3 2 § A 8 6 3 West North East South Helgemo Dehaye Munson Dewasme Pass 1¨ Pass 1© 1ª 2§ Pass 3NT All Pass

Lead: ©8

Helgemo took three of his heart tricks ending in dummy and then led a small spade to the 10. Bernard Dehaye, who could not see at this stage that he would not make another spade trick, returned a diamond. By cutting communications Helgemo prevented the opponents from taking their three tricks while setting up his 11. The strange thing is that he did not make a single spade trick himself!