The auction has begun:

By returning to South’s first suit, North’s 2 ♥ bid is preference, not necessarily support and South should assume a doubleton heart opposite. By bidding at the two-level, North shows a six to nine point hand.

What now for South holding:

(i) Pass. Even eight tricks may be a struggle facing a six/seven point hand with two small hearts.

(ii) 3 ♣. You are worth a move, and should show your 5 ♥-5 ♣ shape with extra values by repeating clubs. This gives responder the option of playing right there if he has two hearts, three clubs (having given 'false preference') and a minimum.

(iii) 2 ♠. Worth a move. Show your 3 ♠5♥ 4♣ shape. How can you get to the wrong contract now?

(iv) 3 . Only when you have a sixth heart can you go further in hearts. This looks a very powerful hand but facing two small hearts and some six/seven scattered points, even 3 ♥ may prove too high. Partner will know what a good hand is, ie ♥ Q + ♣ Q (in your long suits), not ♠ Q or Q♦.

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