Bidding question

Bernard's Answer

This is a nice example. I think playing TEAMS East should try for a diamond slam, not being worried about finishing in 5D: the hand is a 6-loser hand opposite a strong opening – so the LTC suggests slam. Playing PAIRS having a more complicated system would help – East needs to know how his partner fits with his singleton heart – clearly here the answer is very suitable for a slam! A reasonable start to the auction is: 1D – 1S – 1NT – 3D – 3S West shows 3-card spade support and now East might feel it reasonable to bid past 3NT – however, it is difficult to set diamonds as trumps rather than spades! I think if the bidding goes past 3NT then slam is likely to be reached – Grand slam needs luck in spades so small slam is high enough. As it is 6S would make, but as you suggest with no slam bidders, 6D will get you a more comfortable top!