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Judging your hand to be too weak for a 2D response, you start with INT.
Answer You have indicated a weak hand, so partner will hold not less than 17 points or so. Since you hold 9 points yourself, it is time to speak up. Although the diamonds may be poorly protected, the combined values justify a shot at 3NT. Awards: 3NT-10, 3S/3C/2NT-5. David Bird — Knight Features |
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IS it better to play
in a 5-3 trump fit or in no-trumps? One big advantage of no-trumps is
that if the main suit breaks badly (the potential trump suit, if you
do not play in no-trumps), you may be able to find the tricks you need
elsewhere. Another advantage is that there is no risk of an adverse
ruff. Against that, playing in a trump contract gives you greater
flexibility. You may be able to ruff a suit good. On today’s deal
South headed for the 5-3 fit. How would you play 7H when West leads a
trump? There are twelve tricks on top and possible finesses in both
spades and clubs. If you mentally toss a coin and then take one of
these finesses, your chances are only 50% (unless you have some sort
of magic coin!) You can improve on this figure by cashing the two top
clubs and ruffing a club. When the queen falls in three rounds (a 35%
chance) you will not have to risk a finesse. If the queen fails to
appear, you can fall back on the spade finesse. Playing in 7NT, you
could only play the ace-king of clubs (a 9% chance that the queen
would fall), before reverting to spades.
What would you say
now on the West cards?