Board 06

Board 06

♠ K Q 10 8
♥ 5 4
♦ K 9 5
♣ A K J 6
♠ 9 6 5 3 2
♥ 8 3
♦ 10 4
♣ 9 8 7 5
N
W   E
 
S
♠ A 4
♥ K J 10 9 2
♦ Q J 6 3
♣ Q 10
♠ J 7
♥ A Q 7 6
♦ A 8 7 2
♣ 4 3 2

Dealer:

East

Vuln:

E/W

W N E S
1♥ Pass
Pass Double Pass 1NT
Pass 3NT End

Contract:

3NT by South

North’s protective double shows about 3 points fewer than an opening bid. South would need 6-9 points to bid 1NT opposite an immediate double. A protective double could be 3 points weaker so South must be 3 points stronger. South’s 1NT shows 9-12 points and heart stoppers. North knows his side has at least 25 points.

It is important for South to bid no-trumps rather than diamonds because she knows that partner cannot have a heart stop.