mothersday

With the variety of responses, it clearly shows there is no right or wrong answer. Playing with a regular partner it is straightforward to find a way that works for you, but pick up partners are more difficult to assess. Personally, I like 1NT – 3NT when responder’s hand is suitable (adequate point count with no likely slam). The opening bid is a clear limit although it no longer shows a balanced hand it is rare to end up 4441 opposite 4432 leaving you open to losing the first 5 or even 6 tricks with no ace and a king in the wrong place. Stayman is useful in hands where there is a good prospect of trumping – eg 5421 to overcome the score differential between NT and a Major suit. I always enjoy bidding NT with gib opposition and groan when opposition are bidding NT and my partner is gib. They defend NT so badly – SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE! But that’s a different subject.