Board 05

Board 05

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

Dealer:

North

Vuln:

N/S

W N E S
1♠ Pass 2♦
Pass 3♦ Pass 4NT
Pass 5♥ Pass 5NT
Pass 6♦ Pass 7NT
End

Contract:

7NT by South

Lead:

♣5

South starts with a quiet 2♦ response. North's 3♦ shows a minimum hand with 5 spades and 4 diamonds. South is interested in a diamond slam, and can afford to use RKCB, because with no aces the response will be 5♦, which can be passed.

When partner shows both missing aces, South can see twelve tricks even in no-trumps, and a single king in partner's hand would make thirteen. (Even if North has ♣K without ♥K, and opponents lead a club, dummy will have an entry in diamonds after the spades are unblocked.) South asks about kings with 5NT and finds partner with one, so bids 7NT.