Source: September 2014 ACBL Bridge Bulletin      

Decide how the bidding should go and then read further.

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Getting to 4 is a good idea. 4 isn’t a cold contract, but it is better than 3NT, which will go down if the defense can run at least four club tricks, in addition to cashing the A.

Comments

1 by South: South does have 13 high-card points, but the hand is ace-less and missing helpful intermediate cards. If you feel this hand is not worth an opening bid, you are welcome to pass.

2 by North: A routine response in just about any standard system. North knows the pair has values for game. With a fit in one of the red suits, he may pursue slam. If there is no fit, North may settle for 3NT.

2NT by South: He denies three-card heart support and generally shows 12-14 HCP. He could have 18-19, but that is a special and rare circumstance.

3 by North: With partner showing a minimum, and presumably without a heart fit, North is a little less happy with the auction. Still, he has space to introduce diamonds, and his hand will be useful if South bids notrump again.

3 by South: He is not ashamed at all to make this bid with the  K J. If South had three hearts, he would have bid 3 instead of 2NT at his previous turn. Bidding 3NT at this point ignores the weak clubs, the suit that the opponents will probably lead.

4 by North: He could bid 4 but 4 is a sane effort to look for slam. 6 could make opposite some minimum opening bids.

4 by South: After opening a poor 13 count, South is sick of the whole thing. He does well to bid 4 here and not 5 . If South had two aces, he would be interested in North’s slam try.

Pass by North: He has made strong bids so far, especially his 4 control bid, which announces slam interest. South is unwilling to cooperate, so North passes.

This auction is an example of solid judgment by South. He does not get caught up in bidding notrump more than once. It helps that North recognizes South has just two hearts. Note that North tops out at only 10 tricks in 4 if the defense does nothing silly, and could even go down with a bad split in a red suit. There is no room for overbidding with these cards.