Napoleon Hill wrote books that explained how achievement actually occurs and gave a formula that put success within the reach of almost everyone. Hill said, "Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success."

At the bridge table, you need patience and persistence. If you are also getting a lot of perspiration, either you should try to relax or the air conditioning needs adjusting. Additionally, playing suit combinations correctly can be important. In this deal, for example, how should South try to make four spades? After West leads the club queen, the defenders take three tricks in the suit. Then they cast adrift with a heart to dummy's king.

North's jump to four spades showed four-card support and 18-20 support points, counting high-card and shortage points. It was not a sign-off. If South had a strong hand, he would have headed toward slam.

Declarer needs to draw trumps without loss. The right start is a low spade from the board -- not the queen, in case East has a singleton king. However, when East plays low, declarer puts in his jack.

After that wins, South plays a heart to dummy's ace and now calls for the spade queen. If East does not cover, the queen takes the trick, declarer plays a spade to his 10, cashes the spade ace and claims 10 tricks. If East covers the spade queen, South wins with his ace and notes that West discards. Back to the board with a diamond to the king (or a heart ruff), declarer plays a spade to his eight, cashes the spade 10 and claims.

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