Hand 258 — 5 in a minor, or 3NT

Play this hand
Dealer
S
User Side
N/S
Contract
Declarer
S
Tricks Makeable
10
Recommended Lead
5S
Vulnerability
System
SAYC

The Deal

North
A 8
K J 3
A 9 8 7 2
9 4 3
West
Q 10 6 5 3 2
Q 10 9 7 2
J
10
East
J 9 4
3
6 5 4
A Q J 7 6 5
South
K 7
A 8 6 5
K Q 10 3
K 8 2
North: 12 HCP, 2-3-5-3 (bal)
East: 8 HCP, 3-1-3-6
South: 15 HCP, 2-4-4-3 (bal)
West: 5 HCP, 6-5-1-1

Bidding Sequence

S W N E
1DPass3DPass
3NTPassPassPass

Final Comments

In 3 no-trumps, we count our winners.
2 spades
2 hearts
5 diamonds
1 club (maybe)
That is 10 tricks, and if the opposition does not get in with clubs, we are OK.
In NT, west will lead 4th highest of the longest and strongest so we are safe.
With clubs vulnerable, I would not try the heart finesse.