[AL78]

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This was the second board where my novice friend got duffed up and I think her partner could have done better. Everyone else was playing in a club contract, two in game (one of those doubled). 5♣ is rock solid, as is 3NT (thanks to the blocked hearts, you definitely want to be in clubs just looking at the NS cards). I would likely double on the North hand rather than pass, and if East keeps quiet, NS then find the club fit, if not game. If North doubles and East bids 3♠, what now? As it happens either bidding 4♣ or a penalty double works but which is the most sound at the table?

[KingCovert]

Depends on the scoring methods, 4♣ is definitely better than a double. I'm bidding 5♣, and 4♠ with a better hand than this.

[hrothgar]

Comment 1: The 2!S overcall is ludicrous. That's neither here nor there, EXCEPT part of the reason that other folks might have found their club fit was its much easier to bid over 1!S

Comment 2: North has an obvious double (even over 2!S)

Comment 3: Even if North passes, South has an obvious 3!C balance

[neilkaz]

Why didn't N make a negative double?