Hand 451 — 1 NT. Knowing when to stop.

Play this hand
Dealer
W
User Side
N/S
Contract
3H
Declarer
S
Tricks Makeable
9
Recommended Lead
6S
Vulnerability
None
System
SAYC

Planning

a no-trump opening does not always lead to game

The Deal

North
K 8 4
A Q 7
K 9 5
Q J 10 6
West
6 3
9 5 4 2
J 10 7 3 2
K 2
East
A Q J 10 7 5
6 3
8 4
A 7 3
South
9 2
K J 10 8
A Q 6
9 8 5 4
North: 15 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
East: 11 HCP, 6-2-2-3
South: 10 HCP, 2-4-3-4 (bal)
West: 4 HCP, 2-4-5-2

Bidding Sequence

W N E S
Pass1NT2S3H
PassPassPass

Final Comments

In 3 hearts, we count our losers.
2 spades
0 hearts
0 diamonds
2 clubs
That is 4 losers, so we make our 3H contract.
On the 3rd spade, be sure to use a high trump.