The lead was the same, but this time South expected a 7-1 heart split and saw the danger.

But there was still a backup chance: He needed a very unfavorable heart split and got it.

His second thought was to prepare for a heart split.

Now South could not take advantage of the favorable heart split.

But she was not entirely dependent on an even heart split.

Then the even heart split gave him 13 tricks, and he had the diamond guess in reserve, if necessary.

She landed in five clubs, which appeared to depend on an even heart split.

South, not willing to bank everything on a 3-3 heart split, decided to work first on diamonds.

He now needed an even heart split or a diamond finesse.

The chance of a four-one heart split is slightly greater.