Here is a chance to practice your visualization skills during the auction:
Auction suggests that opponents are likely to make 3NT. Perhaps they will, but you should still endeavor to prevent overtricks.
In a recent pairs game on BBO I was the unfortunate declarer when West made a well thought out opening lead. Decide on West’s lead and then scroll down to appreciate West’s thought process:
Follow West’s thought process in visualizing opponents’ hands during the auction:
- South has 15-17 HCP and balanced hand.
- North has invitational or better hand with at least one four-card major (2 Clubs is Stayman inquiry).
- South has four hearts and possibly four spades (answering the Stayman inquiry).
- North signs off in 3NT, saying “I have four spades, partner, please decide on 3NT or four spades”.
- South holds fewer than four spades (took preference for 3NT by passing).
- I only have three queens. Partner may have as much as 8 HCP and should have at least 5 spades (Stayman sequence indicates North has 4 spades and South has at most three). Declarer doesn’t know about our shapes and strength. If I lead the queen of spades through dummy’s “bid” suit, it will be deceptive and will not likely hurt our side. Out goes my queen of spades!