Hand for Minor Suit Slam

Question

Hi Bernard, South 1C, North 1D, South 2C, North NT, S 5H, North 6C. Only pair (including me at North) out of seven to find the 6C slam. Others bid 3NT and one pair went 3 down in 6NT.

Bernard's Answer

6C is a great contract – 6H looks more obvious, but that goes one off. Usually South should show both suits: 1C – 1H – 1S now North would bid FSF and notrumps is the likely spot. However your partner’s inadvertent 2C – suggests six clubs and that allows you to go for the minor slam. You could of course use Diamondwood to keep things lower! 1C – 1H – 2C – 4D to ask for aces.