The Snow Leopard by Foxymoron

There is a saying that "The leopard cannot change its spots" which has some applicability to bridge. It is a bit of a myth, however, as the Snow Leopard has, over the years, developed its spots to blend in with the mountain side. It is a powerful predator, and has no animal threats, only humans. See if you can spot it in the picture below (no pun intended).

The original phrase is Biblical: Jeremiah 13:23, where the Hebrew prophet had originally said: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard its spots?”

Its relevance to bridge is that once you have shown a particular hand type, then further calls do not change that hand type. They might refine your values or controls, but that is all. A hand from the Woodberry yesterday shows this well.

The field seemed to have had a problem with this hand, as 4C-1 was a complete average, which, with 26 points between the two hands, suggests that one was left on the course. At almost all tables, South opened 1S (one South without a pulse passed), and West usually overcalled 2H. North passed and the spotlight turned on East.  There is no way to show both minors. 3D was chosen by many, and now I think it is right for West to bid 3NT and for East to pass that. At one table, East, not unreasonably, continued with 4C and I think West should then bid a firm 4NT, saying "I told you last turn that I have a solid spade stop, partner. I still have". 

The leopard here cannot change its spots, and 4NT makes in some comfort. Indeed the defence has to cash both spades after the ace of clubs is knocked out, or declarer will make 11 as happened at one table, resulting in a top for EW. The top for NS was 4H-5, with North sensibly not doubling. A correction to 4NT would have punished his greed.