Right thoughts begat right plays

Most of the time at the bridge table, if you think the right thought at the appropriate moment, you will make the best call or play.

Today's deal is an example of that. How did South plan the play in five clubs after West led the heart king?

South's bidding left something to be desired. Ideally, North-South would have ended in three no-trump, which would have made with at least one overtrick. Over two hearts, South should have cue-bid two spades to show a very strong hand. Then, when North in desperation rebid three clubs, South could have cue-bid three spades to ask for a spade stopper. North, if a trusting partner, would have bid three no-trump - mission accomplished.