Bidding practice
The most widely-played natural bidding system in North America. 5-card majors, strong 1NT (15-17), strong 2C, weak twos, Stayman, and Jacoby transfers.
South is the dealer. No one has bid yet. What is South’s opening call?
South
♠
A Q 3
♥
J 9 7
♦
Q 9 7
♣
K J 8 7
HCP: 13
Shape: 3-3-3-4
Balanced: yes
Planning
The combined point count indicates that a game contract should be found. First, do we have a fit, and then do we have enough points. The answers, in that order, are no, and yes. A NT contract is the obvious outcome.