An original club should be made only when the score is 18 or more,
and the hand strong enough, with slight assistance, to win the game.
As there are three declarations of greater value than either clubs
or spades, unless there is a reasonable chance to win the game,
black makes should not be considered. Your partner may be able to
make a red or a “no-trump” declaration, and, failing these, his
defensive black declaration may suit your hand. There are unpleasant
occasions when you hold a strong club hand and your partner declares
spades. When the make has been doubled and you have little strength
to support it, you are very apt to regret that you did not make
an original club. While this may be true of an occasional hand,
don’t forget the many times your partner can give you a heart or a
“no-trump” make which will enable you to win the game.
If, however, you hold a black hand when you are a game to the good,
with 8 points or more on the second game, particularly if the hand
contains four club honours, it may not be advisable to pass the
declaration. The honour score together with the probable trick value
of the hand will win more points than the average hand is worth,
whereas you could not support your partner’s red declaration.