A bidding challenge

With only 8 high card points, what would you bid on the South hand below?              

                        ♠10 9 8 7

                        ♥ 6 5 4 3

                        ♦ -

                        ♣ 7 6 5 3 2

♠ 6 5 4 3 2            N           ♠ A K Q J

♥ 10 9 8 7 2      W      E       ♥ A K Q J

♦ J 10 9                  S           ♦ A K          

♣ -                                      ♣ K J 9

                        ♠ -                       

                        ♥ -

                        ♦ Q 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

                        ♣ A Q 10 8 4 

Me? I’d quietly pass. But that’s why I’m not 007 and I haven’t got a licence to kill.

In the film Moonraker James Bond has rigged the cards so that he gets dealt this hand while playing against his arch enemy Hugo Drax.

Pretending to be drunk, he bids the grand slam in clubs which is then doubled and then redoubled. The incredulous Drax makes a huge bet that Bond’s bid cannot succeed against his 31 high card points. However, in fact, the contract cannot be defeated. Against any lead the diamond suit can be established and East’s Club honours can be picked up with two finesses.

(submitted by Brian Pender)