To Gamble?

First a bidding challenge, it's IMPs, you're favourable and first to act. These are the cards you're dealt:

♠	A T 2
♥	A 8 7 6 5 2
♦	Q 7 4 3
♣	-

Well? Are you gonna do it? Does your partner agree?


Assuming you've voted I can get on with the story. If not then wave your eyes back up there and make a decision!

Whether it's correct or not I passed. The hand is two playable in other denominations for a weak two (not to mention the suit quality). I could open one but I'd need to get the bucket if partner responds 2♣.

Then the auction got exciting:

West	North	East	South
Pass!	3NT*	Pass	4♣

Second to act opened a gambling 3NT which his partner pulled. Presumably that meant they were wide open in a suit and that must mean we have a contract!

Not wanting to punish partner for making the wrong choice holding 4-4 or 5-4 in the majors I bid:

West	North	East	South
Pass	3NT	Pass	4♣
4♥	5♣	X	End

If you guessed at the layout you probably didn't guess this...

	♠ 9 6 ♥ J T 9 ♦ - ♣ A K T 9 8 6 4 3
♠ A T 2 ♥ A 8 7 6 5 2 ♦ Q 7 4 3 ♣ -		♠ 8 5 3 ♥ - ♦ A K J T 9 2 ♣ Q J 5 2
	♠ K Q J 7 4 ♥ K Q 4 3 ♦ 8 6 5 ♣ 7

North (following the system card) was of the opinion that 3NT showed a minor preempt. My partner had been enjoying herself wondering which minor North thought was solid. We'll never know if she would have pulled to 5♦ had North passed but double was worth +500 and 1 imp (crossed against 8 other tables).