There are two tails to this pointed deal

Mark Twain said, "It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech."

In this deal, the defense must do three things correctly to defeat three no-trump. What are they?

Some players like to open two no-trump with 19 high-card points, especially when they have a good five-card suit. However, today's North hand has so many "quacks" that it is not strong enough. My first test is to count 2 points for each ace and 1 for each king. A textbook two-no-trump opening has 7 of those ace-king points. This hand has only 4, so it is not worth an upgrade. When South responds one no-trump, showing 6-9 points (or a poor 10), North must raise to game, despite knowing his side has at most five spades (South's response having denied a four-card major).