Bidding Question

Question

My partner, East, opened 1H and South overcalled 1S. As West I bid 2NT which my partner raised to 3NT, which was down 2 giving us a bottom. All the other pairs were in 2, 3 or 4 hearts usually making 10 tricks. Most other Wests bid 3H, with a few doubling and one bidding 1NT. What should I have bid, and after my 2NT should my partner have rebid her hearts?

Bernard's Answer

I think 2NT is a reasonable choice with your hand and I would expect your partner to rebid 3C, allowing you to reach 4H – this is the best contract, but it should go down as long as South does not lead a spade: a diamond to the ace and a spade switch should make sure of four defensive tricks. I might prefer simply to pass 1S expecting my partner to bid again, or a double has some merit, ready to support hearts later. Supporting hearts does not look right because you are too strong for 2H and too flat for 3H.