How to get to Slam?

Hi Heidi,

In the hand below, North has a strong hand and partner made a preemptive bid. How should North bid? Should North explore slam with this hand below? If so, how?

None vulnerable, South is dealer:

	North ♠KQ ♥AQT54 ♦AQ7 ♣A87
West ♠ ♥J72 ♦K4 ♣QJT96432		East ♠T763 ♥963 ♦J832 ♣K5
	South ♠AJ98542 ♥K8 ♦T965 ♣

N	E	S	W
		2♠	3♣
???

Heidi's Answer:

First of all South is just TOO strong to open 2♠. This shows a six card suit only. South has a seven card suit and a nice outside void. They should be opening 3♠ at a minimum.

Second of all West has a pretty bad overcall. But kids these days don't seem to realize that a three level overcall shows values. To be fair the ♣ suit is really long and West is short in the ♠ suit.

However North knows nothing about that. I would trust my Partner had six ♠ to the Ace at least. What are they going to lose? I also would assume West for their three level overcall probably has the red suit Kings so all my red suit finesses will win. That means Partner can set up my ♥ suit for winners. We shouldn't lose any tricks!

To be sure I might bid 4NT asking for Aces. Partner will show me one Ace and now I will just bid 7♠. Parter might have to finesse the ♥ but again I'm pretty sure West has the King since they did make that 3 level overcall.

On this hand Partner has the King so it all works out.

Suggested Auction over 2♠:

N	E	S	W
		2♠	3♣
4NT	Pass	5♦	Pass
7♠	Pass	Pass	Pass