Hand 334 — No fit in majors
Play this handThe Deal
North
♠
K J 10 2
♥
K J 2
♦
A 6 3
♣
Q 4 2
West
♠
8 7 5 4
♥
Q 8 4 3
♦
10 2
♣
A 10 5
East
♠
9 6
♥
A 6 5
♦
Q J 8 5 4
♣
9 6 3
South
♠
A Q 3
♥
10 9 7
♦
K 9 7
♣
K J 8 7
North: 14 HCP, 4-3-3-3 (bal)
East: 7 HCP, 2-3-5-3 (bal)
South: 13 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
West: 6 HCP, 4-4-2-3 (bal)
Bidding Sequence
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1C | Pass | 1S | Pass |
| 1NT | Pass | 3NT | Pass |
| Pass | Pass |
Final Comments
In a 3NT contract we count our winners.
4 spades
1 heart
2 diamonds
2 clubs
That is 9 tricks, and our contract is secure.
With a heart lead, and we play low from dummy, we make an extra heart trick for a total of 10.
Knock out the ace of clubs before moving on.
Planning
Here are the responses to a 1C opening
PASS 0 - 5
1D 6 - 9 4 or more diamonds
1H 6 - 9 4 or more hearts
1S 6 - 9 4 or more spades
1 NT 6 - 9 No 4c major
2C 6 - 9 5 or more clubs
2D 6 - 9 4 or more diamonds
2H 10 - 15 at least 5 hearts
2S 10 - 15 at least 5 spades
2NT 10 - 15 No 4c major, balanced hand
With 12 points and a 5card spade suit, combined total is at least 25 points, so a game contract is on. Bid the spade suit.