Hand 266 — 1 NT

Play this hand
Dealer
S
User Side
N/S
Contract
1NT
Declarer
S
Tricks Makeable
7
Recommended Lead
10D
Vulnerability
East-West
System
SAYC

Planning

Do not look for game with a weak balanced hand. Responder passes and lets opener play 1NT.

The Deal

North
Q 7 5
10 8 6
K 7 4
9 6 5 3
West
K 10 6 4
A 9 7 5
9 6 2
K J
East
9 8 2
J 3 2
Q J 10 3
A 10 4
South
A J 3
K Q 4
A 8 5
Q 8 7 2
North: 5 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
East: 8 HCP, 3-3-4-3 (bal)
South: 16 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
West: 11 HCP, 4-4-3-2 (bal)

Bidding Sequence

S W N E
1NTPassPassPass

Final Comments

In a no-trump hand, and in any contract at the 1 level, we should count our winners.
2 spades
1 heart
2 diamonds
1 club
So far, 1 short. There does not appear to be an extra trick anywhere. We can concentrate on the clubs and hope for a 3/3 break.