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Responding to a weak 1NT


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We play weak NT, Stayman and transfers.

I had this hand last week, and partner opened 1NT. What should I have responded? I bid 2 Clubs and partner replied 2 Diamonds. We bid and made 5 diamonds. [hv=pc=n&n=shaq8dkj863ck9753]133|100[/hv]

But what if partner had replied 2 hearts? Doesn't 2NT show 4 spades invitational?

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It is perhaps not as helpful as you would like but the answer is it depends on system. A popular method is for hands with both minors to start with 2. There are various methods for this - 2 might be Minor Suit Stayman; weak with one minor or strong with both minors; a transfer to clubs showing a second suit on the next round; or various other possibilities, most of which would be too complicated for this forum.

 

Some others use 3 and 3 responses to show minor 2-suiters.

 

Without any system agreed for this hand type you are pretty much down to bidding Stayman followed by 3 and 4. Not ideal since 3NT might still be the best spot. Of course you might decide to follow this course only over a 2 or 2 response to Stayman and stop off in 3NT over 2 hoping that partner's spade suit holds a few honours. We'd feel a little sily opposite xxxx Kx AQ Axxxx though!

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Without any system (but assuming that a direct 3 is forcing) I think it's reasonable to bid 3 followed by 4 or 5. 3NT could be the right spot but there is no way to find out.

 

Could you clarify whether you are suggesting 1NT 3D 3* 4C as forcing, or are you saying the same as Zelandakh , i.e. 1NT - 2C - 2* - 3D - 3* - 4C . I take it that you are inviting partner to choose a minor?

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Could you clarify whether you are suggesting 1NT 3D 3* 4C as forcing, or are you saying the same as Zelandakh , i.e. 1NT - 2C - 2* - 3D - 3* - 4C . I take it that you are inviting partner to choose a minor?

 

traditionally, 1NT - 3any was natural and game forcing. the suggestion is you could start with the diamonds and then introduce the clubs. of course if you have one of the more modern alternate meanings for a 3D response, you obviously can't do that.

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traditionally, 1NT - 3any was natural and game forcing. the suggestion is you could start with the diamonds and then introduce the clubs. of course if you have one of the more modern alternate meanings for a 3D response, you obviously can't do that.

Thanks. That fits with what I have just read in the EBU Modern Acol system file, which says that 1NT - 3 of anything is game forcing with possible slam potential.

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Could you clarify whether you are suggesting 1NT 3D 3* 4C as forcing, or are you saying the same as Zelandakh , i.e. 1NT - 2C - 2* - 3D - 3* - 4C . I take it that you are inviting partner to choose a minor?

If 3 is forcing then 4 must be forcing as well. As a general (universal?) rule, a bid at the 3-level cannot be forcing for one round only. It is either nonforcing, or forcing to game.

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But what if partner had replied 2 hearts? Doesn't 2NT show 4 spades invitational?

I did not see anyone respond to this comment.

 

What does your 2 bid show over 2?

 

Many (most?) players now play that if you have 4 spades and an invitational hand you bid 2 over 2, so that the 2NT bid denies 4 spades. Usually this is done because the 2NT response to 1NT is artificial, but if you don't have any special meaning for 2 in this auction you can adopt this treatment.

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