Club Results: 01/29/2026 Thursday Board 18
Example Hand
| ♠AJ108 ♥AK8 ♦642 ♣AJ8 | ||
|
N
W
E
S
Dlr: E
Vul: NS
|
||
| ♠Q974 ♥942 ♦K105 ♣K63 |
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | 1 NT | Pass | 2 NT |
| Pass | 3 NT | — | — |
North South partnership has enough points for game. After North opens 1NT, South has 4 card major and enough points to bid Stayman. But what is the benefit of playing in a major suit contract when both hands are balanced and do not have shortness?
3NT vs 4H?
If you play in 4H, you need to take 10 tricks, but South hand has no ruffing power because South has no shortness. So, it is better to play in 3NT where you only need to take 9 tricks to make your contract and to get the game bonus.
Tip
Bid Stayman only when you have a doubleton, singleton or void. With 4333 flat hands, it is better to bid 2NT or 3NT depending on whether you have an invitational hand (8-9 points) or game forcing hand (10-15 points).