By Peter Rhead
Examples of a Three No-Trump response to partner’s 1NT opening
Currently we are investigating each of your five possible responses to partner’s One No-Trump opening. They are PASS, Two No-Trump, Three No-Trump, Stayman and Transfers. Each is dependent on your hand distribution and your point count. With less than 8 points you usually PASS. With 8-9 points you have more options. With 10 points or more, you are going for game which requires a partnership total of at least 25 points.
This week, you have examples of when to consider a response of Three No-Trump. You have at least 10 points so you want to be in game (15+10).
You sit there with these five hands. Your partner has opened One No-Trump with 15-17 points. He shows a balanced or semi-balanced hand such as xxx xxxx xxx xxx (Spades Hearts Diamonds Clubs) or xx xxxxx xxx xxx. What should you respond with each hand?
Case 1:
Spades xxx
Hearts xxx
Diamonds QJxx
Clubs AKx
Case 1: You jump to Three No-Trump directly to guarantee the game (15+10).
Case 2:
Spades xx
Hearts xx
Diamonds QJxxxx
Clubs AKx
Case 2: You jump to Three No-Trump directly to guarantee the game (15+11). It is not worth the risk to Transfer to Diamonds where you will have to go to Five Diamonds for a game. Partner will like your hand.
Case 3:
Spades x
Hearts xxxx
Diamonds QJxxx
Clubs AKx
Case 3: You first respond Two Clubs Stayman. If opening partner replies Two Diamonds denying a four-card major, or bids Two Spades, you now jump to Three No-Trump denying Spades but guaranteeing the game to opening partner (15+10).
Case 4:
Spades xxx
Hearts xxxx
Diamonds QJx
Clubs AKx
Case 4: You jump to Three No-Trump directly for the game(15+10). You do not consider Stayman because you have no ruffing capability in a suit contract!
Case 5:
Spades xxxx
Hearts xxxx
Diamonds QJx
Clubs AK
Case 5: You first respond Two Clubs Stayman. If partner bids Two Diamonds denying a four-card major, you then jump to Three No-Trump for the game (15+10).
Next Week: Examples of a Stayman response to partner’s 1NT Opening
Remember, as we all fight COVID-19 with social isolation, if you want your Bridge fix, online competition is available for all skill levels. From the ACBL Bridge website, you can hook up either to play live people or to play robots. Either way you test or consolidate various Bridge skills. At ACBL.org just click on “Play Bridge” and follow the prompts for various choices.
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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