When Richard Pavlicek posed this puzzle (see below), I was astounded by the answer. He asked:
"What is the most HCP North-South can have, yet not be able to make any game contract?"
Certainly, if they have all 40 HCP (the AKQJ in every suit) they must be able to make at least 3NT (if not 7NT).
So, how about, say 30 HCP? How about 31 HCP?
Shocking as it is, he showed me the following construction with 39 HCP (yes, a
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