These were consecutive hands at the Sunday duplicate. No one found the first slam, but everyone bid the unmakeable slam in hand 2. Hand 1 is borderline, and you have to be very restrained to stay out of a slam in hand 2 but if any pair can get these right it will be because of certain realizations -

a. The west hand 1 is two tricks better than west hand 2. and west's bidding should say so.

 

b. East hand 1 is worth a slam try, (or an acceptance of a slam invitation, depending on how the bidding   goes), in light of West's strong bidding.

 

c. West hand 1 should not use Blackwood - do not use Blackwood with a void.

 

d. East hand 2 is not as good as it looks. Opposite a minimum Acol two, it contributes the two tricks needed for game. Given that West must have a five card heart suit (at least), the fifth trump in East's hand contributes little. East has no singleton.

or

Hand 2

1. West's reverse shows he is willing to play in 4 hearts even opposite a Yarborough. East's hand is one trick better than that, so bids an extra trick.

 

 

2. East has denied a minor suit control. Even so, West issues an invitation so the important cards are major suit honours. Having such a card, East accepts and bids slam.

 

 

3. & 4. East has only just enough for game, so expresses reluctance to go further by signing off in 4 hearts. West also has minimum and passes.