Responding to a 1NT opening bid

After partner opens 1NT, you as responder wear the captain’s hat and can normally place the contract right away. The two issues to focus on are (i) whether you have a game-going hand (around 12+ points – to give a partnership total of practically 25 points)* and (ii) whether you have a known fit (six+ cards in a suit will guarantee a fit as the 1NT has at least two cards in every suit).

*Focussing on the game contracts 3NT, 4♥, 4♠ but not 5♣ and 5♦ - to be avoided.

Exercise:What should these hands respond to 1NT?

Answer:

(a) 4♥. Eight+ hearts and the values for game (within one – and the wonderful shape more than compensates).

(b) Pass. There cannot be 25 partnership points – plus what a trickless hand!

(c)  2♥. Clear to remove 1NT to 2♥ - there must be an eight-card heart fit and 2♥ will surely play better than 1NT. Note partner will not bid again - 2♥ is a weakness take-out.

(d)  2♦. There may not be a fit – if partner has a doubleton diamond. But experience has shown that it is better to rescue 1NT into a five-card suit when you are weak (ie up to 10/11 points).