Responding to a 1NT opening

 

1.    You can open with any range of points. !2-14 is the most popular range nowadays. Others play 12-15 or 16-18

2.    You should have no 6 card suits, or good 5 card major suit, and preferably no singleton or two doubletons Guards are required in 3 suits. A guard is Ax; Kx; Qxx; Jxxx

3.    Vulnerable take care in opening 1NT with 12 pts.

4.    In 4th position 1NT may be opened with 11 pts.

5.    Assuming 12-14 is the range, then pass with flat hands of less than 8pts. Bid 2 diamonds, hearts or spades with a 5 card suit and 0-8 pts (‘weakness take-out’)

6.    Bid 2NT /3NT  with flat hands (may have a 5 card minor suit) and 11-12pts/  or 13+pts.

7.    Bid 3 hearts/spades with 12+ pts and a 5 card suit

8.    Bid 4 hearts/spades with 12+ pts and a 6 card suit.

9.    Use the Stayman convention to find a 4-4 fit in a major suit.  A responder’s  bid of 2 clubs asks. Opener bids 2 diamonds with no 4 card suit. Otherwise bids heart or spade suit

10.    Bid 4 clubs (Gerber convention) to ask for aces over 1NT direct.

11.    Open 2NT with 20-22 pts . Responses very like over 1NT but far less points needed

12.    You need a combined total of around 26 pts to make 3NT, or less with long suits.

13.    To overcall an opponent’s 1NT you need a good 5 card suit and opening pts

14.    To double 1NT you need at least 1 pt above opener’s maximum. It is for penalties.

15.    If your 1NT is overcalled, then a double is for penalties, and a new suit is to play competatively.

16.    To open 1NT over an opponent’s suit bid requires 15-16pts and guards in the suit bid.