Using Bidding Space to Save Bidding Space

Source: http://www.michaelslawrence.com/Articles/025_frm.html

N-S VUL SOUTH DEALS
WEST	NORTH	EAST	SOUTH
			1
2	2	5	6
Pass	Pass	Pass

SOUTH 9 A K J A K Q 10 8 7 6 5 2

Lead – A

South opened a quiet one diamond and found himself guessing what to do on the next round when East jumped to five clubs. I sympathize with South’s decision to bid six diamonds. Who can tell what the right bid is. If North has no aces, five diamonds is enough. If North has two aces, seven notrump may be the best spot.

How do you feel about South’s bidding?

North suggested after the hand that South should have opened two clubs. That suggestion might have been sensible, but it would not have kept the opponents out of the bidding. South can bid spades, but East would still be there with his five club bid, giving South more or less the same problem.

How should South handle this situation?  Click here to see all four hands