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This hand was played by the late Victor Mollo,
the author of the famous Bridge in the Menagerie
stories. If I didn't know better, I might have
thought that Mollo was playing the part of the
Rueful Rabbit on this hand. Mollo showed perfect
technique. After the defenders led two rounds of
clubs and played a heart, Mollo won the king and
cashed one high trump. Then he led the 6 of trump,
allowing East to win the second round of spades.

This play ensured the contract against a 4-2
spade break, as long as there was no ruff possible
in the East-West hands. East played a second
heart, and Mollo won, drew trump with his
remaining king and queen, and then played five
rounds of diamonds, discarding his two heart losers.

If the Rabbit had been in the South seat, for sure
he would have had one of those clubs in his spade
suit. Then when he found it at trick five, he
probably would have dropped the 6 of spades on
the table by mistake. The Hideous Hog, as East,
would insist he take it back, because if South
cashes two top trumps, he has no chance against
the 4-2 trump division. But the Secretary Bird
(West), a stickler for the rules, would insist, No,
he cannot take it back, a played card is a played card.

Have a nice weekend!