Bidding weak shapely hands

Board 7 is a hand that promises riches for E-W, but if N-S can enter the bidding, things will escalate rapidly.

Is South's hand good enough to open? What do you think?

South's two suiter has 6 losers, fewer than many balanced hands with opening points. Suppose South passes awaiting developments.

West opens 1H and East responds 2C. Norths suit is too weak to bid.

What action, if any, should South now take?

A take-out double would imply the other suits D's and S's.

A cue bid:  2H by South would imply S's and another (obviously D's) and 5-5 shape.

West should rebid 3H to show extra length.

Now put the spotlight on North. They become acutely aware of the exceptional 11 card fit in spades. What should they bid?

The "Law of Total Tricks" roughly boils down to this;  The number of tricks your side makes = the number of trumps your side holds, if points are roughly equal.

Normally it is safe to bid to the level of the number of trumps your side holds.

          9 trump fit  :  bid to the 3 level

        10 trump fit  :  bid to the 4 level

         11 trump fit  : bid to the 5 level

Notice there is no mention of points in this discussion.

If there is an imbalance in strength, as in this case, it simply means E-W are more certain to make their contract with overtricks, while N-S are likely to go light.

So for North, the " Law of Total Tricks" suggests bid 5S.

Results on the night shows two E-W pairs in slam going 1 light. The others in 4H or 5H.

Do you have the courage to firstly bid with South's cards, or to bid 5S with North's cards, vulnerable.

If you don't, you will never discover the amazing fit one can have with weak hands.