NT counter-defenses

[robbg]

Hi. I am trying to compile a list of counter-defenses to the myriad of defenses to 1NT openings, generally strong (15-17 and the like). If you have any good understandings please descxribe them.

 

Many thanks.

 

Robb Gordon

[gwnn]

This is a nice place to start:

 

http://forums.bridgebase.com/index.php?showtopic=31208

[pirate22]

One has to talk of 2nd position and 4th position.and oneself and partner must be aware........... so if we are N/S.....and west opens 1n/t N is in 2nd position.

and he has available 2cl= landy...2n/t=minors...x=penalty...and major transfers.

if north passes and E passes ,partner is now in 4th position.

he has available.2cl=landy..2n/t =minors...x=penalty(min PC is 14) and natural.

again if west opens pass..N passes...E opens 1n/t South is now in 2nd position,and as above applies South is in 4th position.

The whole object of major transfers is that the 1n/t is on lead (worth 1 trick)at least.

I have an article on this--e-mail me. also defence to opps weak 2's.

also full range Neg x's if we open 1 any.

regards

[Finch]

Don't compile counter-defences against a specified list of NT defences, you'll be there forever. Our system file categorises 2nd seat NT defences (and our counter-defences) as follows:

 

Double penalties

Double artificial, no anchor suit

Double artificial with an anchor suit

 

2C artificial, no anchor suit (e.g. showing any single-suiter)

 

Two-level overcall promising the suit bid (with or without more suits)

Two-level overcall with one anchor suit, not the suit bid

Two-level overcall showing a 2- or 3-suiter, not the suit bid

Two-level overcall with no defined suit or showing a 3-suiter

 

Three-level or higher overcall showing the suit bid

Three-level or higher overcall artificial

 

We also have quite a long list of continuations depending on what happens next. You have to consider common auctions at least as far as opener's third call.

 

it's not quite as bad as it sounds because a lot of possible auctions are the same whatever the overcall (e.g. in many cases all 3-level non-cue-bids are natural and game forcing, or penalty-taking sequences all turn into the same agreements about later doubles and forcing passes)

 

We have a somewhat shorter set of agreements about 4th seat defences if responder has passed 1NT, shorter because responder is much more narrowly defined in strength and shape.

 

We also have a set of fairly generic agreements after 1NT P {artificial 2-level response} if the opponents come in now.

[NickRW]

Start with Defenses to 1NT doubled Pick or adapt one of those to get you started. Then integrate it with Lebensohl - or reverse Lebensohl - or Rubensohl - or anything you find that looks good.

 

Like Frances hinted at - there is an absolute myriad of material out there - you can get too complex about it. Find something you can remember easily and build it from there

[whereagles]

I used to play something that went by the name of "Cansino" which was defining 2m overcalls as

 

2♣ = 3 or more clubs, 4 or more hearts, 3 or more in another suit

2♦ = 3 or more diams, 4 or more spades, 3 or more in another suit

 

The hcp count of 9-15. The lower the hcp, the more 3-suited the hand would be. With 9-10 you'd have a 5440 or 4441. With 14-15 a 4333 would be possible.

 

I would include this in Frances list as

 

Two-level overcall with a balanced to 3-suited hand with a known 4 card major.