Board 22

Board 22

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

Dealer:

East

Vuln:

E/W

W N E S
1 Pass
1 Pass 1 Pass
4NT Pass 5 Pass
6 End

Contract:

6 by East

Lead:

10

On the normal rule for 4-4-4-1 hands ('highest 4-card minor'), East should open 1. There is no need for anything from West other than 1, leaving plenty of space to investigate. East really ought to rebid 1, and the spade slam is found easily. If East does decide on 1NT, then West will bid 6NT.