#3 East West Vulnerable
East     South   West   North
  1♦         Pass       1♥       Pass
  2♣        Pass     Pass      ???
 
North
♠ 10 8 5 3 2
♥ A Q J 5
♦ Q 10
♣ 6 5
 
As North, you aren’t strong enough to overcall 1♠ (remember to throw out the ♦Q because it is in the opponent’s bid suit), but you are strong enough to bid 2♠ later. When the opponents die out at the two level after having found a likely 8-card fit, usually the HCP are evenly divided between the two sides. Additionally, if they have an 8-card fit, your side almost always has one as well. If they have a 9-card fit it is 100% that you have an 8-card fit. It is important to push the side with the 8-card fit to the three level. If the opponents are happy at the two level then don’t let them stay there! The key is that the opponents have a fit! Otherwise, leave them alone…
 
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