In this deal East has a standard opening of 1H and West, with enough points (10+) to bid at the ‘two level’, bids 2C. Now it is North’s turn, he/she may either pass or bid 2S. The point count on the hand is low, but the vulnerability is favourable and the spade suit has good lead directing potential if, as seems likely, the opponents win the auction. This bid inhibits East from bidding no trumps and given that the heart suit is semi-solid and he/she has a 16 point hand, a 3H bid seems the best action to take even though partner will expect a six card suit. As West hold the heart Ace together with a good club suit, he/she will probably bid 4H.

It is interesting to note that there are always advantages and disadvantages in making a marginal bid; without the spade bid E-W may well end up in 3NT, possibly going down.

Results

1NTE +4; 2NTE =; 2NTE +3; 3HE +1; 4HE =; 5DE -2.

N-S 1^st J Tagg & E Jurgensen…...........57.1% 

        2^nd J Fitzhenry & P Townsend……53.4%

E-W 1^st H Clohessy & M Wesselo……..63.7%

        2^nd G Gebhardt & S Wostenholm...59.8%