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3NT after a suit-fit (1H-2H)


newbdonkey

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3NT is a suggestion to play 3NT, giving responder the choice between 3NT and 4.

 

Most of the times, when there is an eight card fit in a major, 4 or 4 plays better than 3NT. Sometimes, however, 3NT plays better. This is typically true when both hands are balanced, or when both hands have many HCPs, but simply lack 3 aces (or 2 aces and 3 kings). (The defense will take those same tricks in a major suit contract and in 3NT.)

 

This means that opener typically has an 18-19 point balanced hand with 5 hearts.

 

If responder is looking at a 3334 distribution, he knows that he won't be able to take any ruffs in the short hand, and most likely the hand will take as many tricks in 3NT as in 4. With such a hand, responder will pick 3NT.

 

Responder might also have a 4315 distribution. In that case, he will expect to be able to score a few ruffs in a heart contract. So, he will convert 3NT to 4.

 

Rik

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