North - too strong to overcall 1NT (15-18) - began with double. This commanded partner to name his best suit outside ♦s - with at least nine points South would jump the bidding in his best suit. Hence South’s 1♠ response was consistent with between zero and eight points. North then made a strongly invitational jump to 3♠ and the spotlight turned to South. With four good-looking points - that’s four more than he promised - and a fifth ♠, it was clear for South to bid game.

West led ♦Q. Declarer won ♦K, cashed ♦A and led ♦4. East discarded, so declarer trumped low and led ♠Q, running it successfully when West played low. A second ♠ went to ♠K and dummy’s ♠A. Declarer trumped ♦9 and played ♥4, taking West’s singleton ♥K with dummy’s ♥A. He scored ♥Q and ♥J and conceded two ♣’s - eleven tricks.

ANDREW’S TIP: Is your hand better than it might be? If the answer is yes and your partner is inviting you to keep bidding, accept his invitation!