[sceptic]

[FONT=Courier]

Scoring: IMP

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West North East South

 -     -     2♠    Pass
 Pass  Pass  [/FONT

[awm]

South has a very clear double here.

I would pass it out with the north hand too. Given the two passes by south and west, it's more likely the south and west hands are reversed, in which case I don't really like my chances in 3♥ doubled.

[P_Marlowe]

To answer your question, yes.
But of course partner has a clear t/o.

And if he complains, shoot him.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[Fluffy]

North has a clear balance of 3♥ as clear as you will get it ever.

South's possible double is a matter of partnership, I would gladly pass.

[the hog]

Why didn't Sth double, followed by a 4S bid from West? Failure to double and failure to raise S are incomprehensible to me. Yes on the given auction you should have balanced.

[awm]

K&R evaluation of the north hand is 10.6 points, and this is before devaluing the ♠Q for the spade preempt behind you. There are many hands where partner has a totally clear raise to 4♥ or 3NT and you have nothing remotely resembling play for the contract. And if it's a misfit hand, your heart spots aren't good enough to protect you from the penalty double. I really don't think balancing on this hand is warranted.

[pbleighton]

Clear double. I would probably have doubled the first time around, but that's a close call, and I wouldn't criticize a partner who passed.

Peter

[neilkaz]

South's failure to make a takeout double with 3 aces and a stiff in the weak 2 suit and 4 cards in the other major is pathetic. West's failure to raise to at least 3♠ after the pass (3♠ often buys the contract) is quite poor.

As N I don't criticize a 3♥ balanced but my Q of ♠ is devalued and my trump spots are weak and I may get whacked if PD doesn't have some support.

I pass as N, reluctantly, and will have a discussion with PD after S's pathetic pass.

.. neilkaz ..