Hand 323 — Simple Overcall

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

Planning

Know when to stop.

The Deal

North
A 8 4
Q 8 6
10 7 5
J 9 4 2
West
10 6 3
10 9 4 3 2
J 3
A K 7
East
7 2
K J 5
A K Q 9 6
10 8 5
South
K Q J 9 5
A 7
8 4 2
Q 6 3
North: 7 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
East: 13 HCP, 2-3-5-3 (bal)
South: 12 HCP, 5-2-3-3 (bal)
West: 8 HCP, 3-5-2-3 (bal)

Bidding Sequence

E S W N
1D1SPass2S
PassPassPass

Final Comments

In 2 spades, it is sometimes easier to count our winners, rather than losers. If we do not get clarity, we can count out our losers. We should then have a pretty good idea on how to plan the play.
SO
5 spades
1 heart
0 diamonds
1 club
We seem to be 1 short.
Lets see with the losers
0 spades
1 heart
3 diamonds
2 clubs
Still one short.
So, as long as we do not lead the clubs, we might salvage a trick.
The way the cards lie, 2 spades is achievable.