You may remember this deal from session one of the J. M. Weston Mixed Pairs final. One of the problems for North-South is to reach 3NT after East overcalls 3ª.

Board 24. Dealer West. Love All ª — © K Q 5 ¨ A K Q 10 5 4 3 § Q 5 2 ª J 10 6 ª K 9 7 5 4 3 2 © J 10 9 7 3 © A 8 6 ¨ J ¨ 6 2 § K 10 8 3 § A ª A Q 8 © 4 2 ¨ 9 8 7 § J 9 7 6 4 West North East South Paulissen Gotard Speelman Gotard Pass 1¨ 1ª 1NT 2ª 3ª 4ª 4NT! All Pass

As you can see from the above auction featuring pairs from The Netherlands and Germany, it was possible to go even higher in notrump. It was clear to South that North held a good hand with solid diamonds, and she was not prepared to accept what was likely to be a small penalty. Hence her brave decision to try her luck in 4NT.

Declarer won the opening lead of the ªJ with the queen and played a heart to the jack, queen and ace. East returned a heart to the 9 and king and declarer cashed the ¨A. The appearance of the jack meant there was an easy route to 10 tricks.

Of course an opening heart lead would have put paid to the contract - but who could have found that lead?