Hand 295 — Jacoby transfer

Play this hand
Dealer
S
User Side
N/S
Contract
3NT
Declarer
S
Tricks Makeable
10
Recommended Lead
4D
Vulnerability
None
System
SAYC

Planning

Use a Jacoby transfer to choose the correct suit while evaluating strength, shape and trick potential.

The Deal

North
Q J 5 3
A 10 8 7 2
J 10 7 4
West
9 6 2
Q J 4
Q 7 6 4
5 3 2
East
A 10 7
K 9 5
J 10 9 3 2
Q 5
South
K 8 4
6 3
A K 8 5
A K 9 8
North: 8 HCP, 4-5-0-4
East: 10 HCP, 3-3-5-2 (bal)
South: 17 HCP, 3-2-4-4 (bal)
West: 5 HCP, 3-3-4-3 (bal)

Bidding Sequence

S W N E
1NTPass2DPass
2HPass2NTPass
3NTPassPassPass

Final Comments

In 3NT we count our winners
3 spades
1 heart
2 diamonds)
4 clubs
That gives us 10 tricks.
We can only afford to lose 1 trick after the opening lead, as the diamonds are a real theat.
Our first job then is to use it to develop the spades.