True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare

The name diamond derives from the ancient Greek ἀδάμας (adamas) meaning "invincible" or "untamed."

Even though I traveled this weekend, I still found time to play bridge online, and, speaking of diamonds, Kate and I bid to a nice 6♦ contract on this deal (hands rotated):

                     ♠ K J
                     ♥ 2
                     ♦ A Q 8 5
                     ♣ J 8 7 6 4 2
♠ 10 9 5 2                        ♠ Q 8 6 3
♥ K J 9 8                         ♥ 7 6 4 3
♦ 7 2                             ♦ 9 6
♣ K 9 5                           ♣ A Q 3
                    ♠ A 7 4
                    ♥ A Q 10 5
                    ♦ K J 10 4 3
                    ♣ 10

   West   North   East   South
          2♣(1) Pass    2♦(2)   
   Pass   2NT(3) Pass   3♦(4)
   Pass   4♥(5) Pass    6♦
   All Pass

(1) 5+ clubs, 11--16 points, could have a second suit.
(2) Artificial inquiry.
(3) I have a second suit, diamonds.
(4) Mark-time bid, tell me more.
(5) Shortness.
When Kate bid 3♦, I was pretty sure she was short in clubs, so it looked like a fitter. (Therefore, the aggressive 4♥ bid.)

West led the ♠2 to the jack, queen and ace. Kate advanced the ♣10 won by the ♣Q. East shifted to the ♥3 won by declarer's ace.

A diamond was led to the ♦A to lead another club, ruffed by the ♦4. The ♦10 was led to the ♦Q and when trumps split 2--2, the contract was secure.

Bidding and making 6♦ was worth 12.06 IMPs and you can see what other pairs did on this deal here.