Hand 270 — Game in NT
Play this handThe Deal
North
♠
K 10 4
♥
K 8 3
♦
K 7 3
♣
10 7 5 3
West
♠
J 9 8 7 2
♥
J 10 7
♦
Q 6 2
♣
A 4
East
♠
5 3
♥
9 6 4 2
♦
J 10 8 5
♣
K Q 9
South
♠
A Q 6
♥
A Q 5
♦
A 9 4
♣
J 8 6 2
North: 9 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
East: 6 HCP, 2-4-4-3 (bal)
South: 17 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
West: 8 HCP, 5-3-3-2 (bal)
Bidding Sequence
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | Pass | 2NT | Pass |
| 3NT | Pass | Pass | Pass |
Final Comments
In 3 no-trumps we count our winners before starting the play.
3 spades
3 hearts
2 diamonds
0 clubs
That is 8 tricks which makes us 1 short.
We should play out the clubs first. If they break 3/2, the 4th club will be our 9th trick.
As the cards lie, our plan is successful.
Planning
After an opening of 1NT, responder invites with 2NT on a balanced hand with 8-9 HCP; opener can accept with a maximum or strong 16/17 and good controls.