Look at the South hand in the diagram. West, on his left, opens one spade, North overcalls two diamonds, and East passes. What should South do?

Winston Churchill said, "It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required." And sometimes what is required is best.

When you know partner has a long minor and some points, you should always wonder about three no-trump. But it is nice to have some fit for partner's suit. This hand has the high-card power for game -- three aces and great intermediates (three 10s and one nine). The only minus is the singleton diamond. Yes, maybe North has four hearts and game in that suit is best. But that is unlikely. And these days, a two-spade cue-bid would indicate diamond support.

South should do what he must do and jump to three no-trump.

Here, that game makes easily. West would probably lead the spade six, fourth-highest from his longest and strongest. South will win with his jack, play off dummy's heart winners, cash his four club tricks, and take the heart ace, bringing everyone down to five cards. Then a diamond toward dummy's king produces an overtrick. If West wins and leads the spade king, declarer just ducks the trick.

At the table, South advanced with two hearts. If this were forcing by partnership agreement, it would have been acceptable, although it "guaranteed" a five-card suit. But North believed it was nonforcing and passed. Yes, that contract made with an overtrick, but a game bonus had been missed.

If three no-trump is a possible bid, make it -- Bob Hamman's Rule.

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