One thing that makes this 9-count not so good is the square shape (3-3-3-4), you can almost subtract a HCP for that alone.  Does this make the hand a “bad 9”?  No, not at all, look at that awesome array of intermediate cards!  All those lovely Tens may not count for anything on the 4-3-2-1 HCP scale but they certainly count for something in the play of the hand, especially in No Trump contracts.  So, South disregards the dismal distribution and, rejoicing in those splendid Tens, goes directly to 3NT.

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