biding after 1nt overcall

[helene_t]

A double of 1NT is generally for penalty. There are a number of reasons for this.

- Opps bidding 1NT tends to show that we are unlikely to have game. Hence we do not need the shape-showing bids as constructive but can use them for competitive/preemptive purposes. This in turn means that we need a bid for the strong hands we occasionally have.

- A t/o double tends to show shortness in opps suit but there is no such suit.

- Opps bidding 1NT tends to show that they have no fit so far, so we may also have no fit.

- Even if we have a fit, defending 1NT (as opposed to defending a low-level suit partscore) is ok. The suit in which we have a fit will be a menace to their notrump contract as well.

 

There is one situation in which most play a double of 1NT as t/o, namely

(1x)-p-(1NT)-x

 

and a couple of other situations in which you may agree with partner to play double a t/o. But 1x-(1NT)-x is certainly not among them - this should be penalties.

[Ant590]

1x (1nt) 2nt = gf

 

 

#6. All good hands start with double. So this must be conventional. I'd take it as an imaginative extension of the Unusual 2nt and the 1x opener should pull it to whatever-is-his-favored lowest-unbid-suit. Maybe 2nt bidder has "one of those hands" and his next call will be a surprise. I don't think this scenario is worth losing a lot of sleep over.

I think Hardy advocated that #6 is a hand that thinks it can't get a positive enough score from defending NT doubled, but for certain has game values and quite possibly slam aspiration. It's in his 2/1 book if anyone wants me to name my source :P

[Finch]

mikeh put it all very well.

 

1x (1NT) dbl is BLOOD ON THE TABLE TIME

 

1x (1NT) 2NT is some unusual game forcing hand, usually a two-suiter

[skjaeran]

That hand really isn't a problem hand, it is a very clear penalty double. There really is no reason to think that they have 5 diamond tricks, it is possible but far from certain.

 

No call will work every time, but you just have to make the best call with the information you have. There double is clear. Sometimes you will set it 1 trick while you have game, but other times you won't have game and perhaps set it 3 or 4 tricks (no, that is not wishful thinking any more than 5 diamond tricks is overly pessimistic).

Depending on vulnerability I'd either make a penalty double whith that hand or bid 2♦ showing both majors. Following up with bidding or forcing to game next after 2♦.

[jillybean]

Thanks all this is very helpful :)

[P_Marlowe]

3C is reasonable, but I would pass 2H.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe