#3 North South Vulnerable

South  West    North  East
1NT        Pass      ?
 
North
♠ K J 8 5
♥ 4 3 2
♦ 9 3 2
♣ A K 5

As North, it is generally not a good idea to use Stayman with a flat hand (4-3-3-3).  Visualize partner’s shape: 5-3-3-2, 4-4-3-2 or 4-3-3-3.  The value of finding a 4-4 spade fit is diminished because there is no trumping value in your hand and very little trumping value in partner’s hand.  North has enough values for game and bids 3NT.

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