Hand 282 — minor suit opening

Play this hand
Dealer
S
User Side
N/S
Contract
2NT
Declarer
S
Tricks Makeable
8
Recommended Lead
3C
Vulnerability
None
System
SAYC

Planning

Finding a fit comes first. If none found, do we have enough points for 3NT

The Deal

North
A J 8 5
K Q 7 4
8 3
10 8 2
West
10 6 2
A 8 3 2
9 4
Q 9 7 3
East
Q 9 3
9 6
K J 10 7 6
A 6 4
South
K 7 4
J 10 5
A Q 5 2
K J 5
North: 10 HCP, 4-4-2-3 (bal)
East: 10 HCP, 3-2-5-3 (bal)
South: 14 HCP, 3-3-4-3 (bal)
West: 6 HCP, 3-4-2-4 (bal)

Bidding Sequence

S W N E
1DPass1SPass
1NTPass2HPass
2NTPassPassPass

Final Comments

In 2 NT we count our winners
2 spades
3 hearts
1 diamond
1 club
That makes 7 tricks and we are 1 short.
The spade finesse is a chance, and so is the diamond finesse.
As the cards lie, the successful diamond finesse ensures the contract