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This is a delicate situation. Normally, when the opponents have not bid and supported a suit,
balancing is a losing action. At imps, East
should pass 2. At matchpoints, East should
probably take another call, because he is not
vul and the risk is small. One idea is 2NT
(unusual) showing a four-card club suit
(whereas a bid of 3 would show five of them,
or a strong four-card suit). Another idea is to
double and plan to remove a 2 bid by partner
to 3, hoping to catch a fit.

Notice that North made a winning bid when he responded 1NT instead of 1. Had he bid
spades, East could later double 2 more easily
for takeout of hearts and spades.

There are 9 tricks in clubs, because the suit
breaks 3-2 and the king of diamonds is onside,
very lucky. That score is 110 to E-W.
Meanwhile, a 2 contract by South can be
defeated on perfect defense. A diamond is led
to the jack and a low club is returned. The
defenders can score four minor-suit winners
and East can lead a third round of diamonds.
Even if South ruffs with the 10 of hearts and
plays ace and a low heart, East can lead a
fourth round of diamonds, promoting the 9 of
hearts to the setting trick. That's +100 to E-W,
10 points less than +110. Matchpoints is a
tough game!

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