♥ AJT2
♦ T932
♣ K8
♠ T6
♥ 94
♦ A65
♣ JT9653
♠ QJ83
♥ K73
♦ KJ74
♣ Q4
♠ K752
♥ Q865
♦ Q8
♣ A72
| N | E | S | W |
| Pass | 1♦ | Pass | |
| 1♥ | Pass | 1♠ | Pass |
| 2NT | All Pass |
Board 10
Score -13 IMPs
Dealer East
All Vul
What should you start with here and where should you end up?
Standard methods would see most opening 1NT in the South seat, but with no aces and a balanced hand, at this vulnerability it is safer to open 1♦ (or possibly 1♠) without risking playing in 1NT doubled vulnerable.
I hate playing in 2NT at teams, but I think that is the sensible resting place on any sequence - South has no reason to push to 3NT if asked, but North may look favourably on their good 12 count and punt it anyway.
Opening 1♦ will see North declare 2/3NT, in which case 1/2 off is certain as E is always going to lead a club.
Anyone opening 1NT, should follow a Stayman sequence which will imply a four card major in both hands and finish in NT declared by South. This will put W on lead and a club lead is still looking most likely.
We were 2 off in 3NT, Ted & Julia let 3NT through (no club lead I presume?), the others in part scores.
