#5 North South Vulnerable

West    North  East     South
1♠          ?
 
North
♠ Q J 10 8
♥ K 9 2
♦ A Q 4
♣ K 6 5

As North, with only 15 HCP, you really need a double stopper in opener’s bid suit to overcall 1NT.  When South raises to 2NT (Invitational), you pass as fast as possible!

Further analysis: Remember, a 1NT overcall shows 15-18 HCP. North should pass when vulnerable and holding only a single stopper. In general, balanced (4-3-3-3) shaped hands with only 15 HCP would rather bid anything other than a 1NT overcall…including pass.   For example, if North were 3-4-3-3 with a four-card heart suit, then double would be preferable to a 1NT overcall.

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