Hand evaluation is key. Often a discussion with partner after a hand, it was too weak to raise, no it is strong you should have raised.
Here we will have pass by South and West.
North will bid 1♥ this is a good 11HCPs, 5422 and two Aces. Here is a useful tool for evaluating hands based on the Kaplan-Rubens Evaluation.
K&R Hand Evaluation tool North's hand rates as 13.05!
North has a strong hand (if you use the hand evaluator above with 19HCPs it comes out as 21.3 and in addition it is sitting over the opening bidder) so will double (2NT would be unusual NT).
South will pass
West will bid 2♣
North will pass and East opposite a passed hand with a very strong hand is unlikely to miss a slam, so will probably bid 3NT as he needs very little from partner.
The contract makes, but it is difficult as he needs to either play for the finesse of the J♣ or the drop of the J♠ . He can combine the odds by going for the drop of the J♠ first. |