In a hand far far away . . .

Today’s hand comes from a place far far away, both literally and figuratively. It was dealt at a recent international European tournament (that’s the literal part).

What would you do with the West hand after South’s preemptive opener?

Of course, grand slam in diamonds might be the superior contract, but most players would surely try seven spades, just as our West did.

South’s double is our old friend the Lightner convention, asking for an unusual lead.

North had no trouble finding a club lead for South to ruff and so defeat this splendid contract.

Now, most declarers would feel a little sad at the outcome but soon start thinking about what was for tea, did they lock the house, or their latest health concerns.

Not so the otherworldly experts at this tournament. They pondered over the hand and finally decided that West should be worried about a minor suit ruff and so bid seven hearts. This would ask partner to bid seven no trumps with the ace of hearts and without it, bid seven spades (unbeatable from the East hand, as it turns out). Undeniably very clever.

Clearly, East would have only two choices after a sevenheart bid, but what agonies, what torture to be suffered before making a call.

But wait: back in the real world there is a third choice. ‘‘No bid’’. We’ve all heard partner say during an auction, ‘‘I haven’t a clue what’s going on’’, and then pass. Now that would make any West a lot sadder than going for minus 100.