North is dealer and opens 3♥.

Can East do anything? At our table, East passed, as did South. Can West do anything?

We missed a vulnerable game at Imp Scoring by passing. What should we have done?

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Hi Maura,

Good problem, but unfortunately preempts do work!

Although it’s tempting for East to bid 3♠ given the 6-4 shape and the singleton heart, but the big problem is the lack of strength. By overcalling 3♠, it may cause trouble as West (partner) might think you have a better hand, and sometimes make a slam try so you may find yourself playing at the 5-level!

If 3♥ gets passed around to West, unfortunately he has to pass also. With a minimum and a balanced hand, there doesn’t seem much future on the hand, so West should pass it out.

It’s true that it looks like you want to be in a 4♠ contract, but given the 3♥ preempt, I would not be surprised if the defence can arrange a diamond ruff on the get go.

Kind regards,
Andy