Hand 263 — Minor suit opening

Play this hand
Dealer
S
User Side
N/S
Contract
3NT
Declarer
S
Tricks Makeable
9
Recommended Lead
6C
Vulnerability
East-West
System
SAYC

Planning

First find a fit, then add up points

The Deal

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

Bidding Sequence

S W N E
1DPass1SPass
1NTPass2DPass
3NTPassPassPass

Final Comments

In 3NT, we count our winners.
4 spades
1 heart
4 diamonds
0 clubs
That give us 9 tricks for our contract.