Main

Detail specifications 31BG - Level 2 ★

Overcalls after a 1NT opening: the minor/major double

Back to the summary
PDF
Print
The minor/major double
This is the most frequent two-suited overcall after a 1NT opening. (There are 4 possible combinations...against only one for the Landy!)It promises:
  • A minor of at least 5 cards, a four-card major,
  • at least 10 or so HCP and, above all, the high cards concentrated in the long suits.

Remember, to overcall after a 1NT opening, distribution is more important than the number of points.
SWNE
1NT
X
K
Q
10
8
4
A
J
10
9
7
5
6
5
double After a 1NT opening the double shows a two-suiter with a five-card minor and a four-card major.
 
SWNE
1NT
X
4
A
K
9
7
A
9
4
Q
J
10
9
7
double With such a hand don't hesitate to double (minor/major)!
 
 
The ensuing bids
  • If your Partner wishes to know the long minor suit, he bids 2 clubs.
  • If he wishes to know the 4 card major, he bids 2 diamonds.
  • With a strong hand your Partner can pass and turn the double into a penalty double!

K
Q
10
8
4
A
J
10
9
7
5
6
5
SWNE
1NT
X
Pass
2
J
9
7
6
A
8
7
8
6
A
10
8
7
2 diamonds with a 4 card major ask your Partner, who doubled, to name his major to see if a fit exists.
 
K
Q
10
8
4
A
J
10
9
7
5
6
5
SWNE
1NT
X
Pass
2
J
9
7
A
8
7
8
6
4
A
10
8
7
2 clubs You are bound to have a minor fit. Ask your Partner, who doubled, to name his minor .
 
 
The bidding after the doubler's Partner has replied 2 clubs or 2 diamonds

  • After your bid of 2 diamonds, pass if the major called by the doubler suits you. If not, bid 2NT to find refuge in the minors (not to play 2NT of course!)
  • After your bid of 2 clubs, pass after your Partner bids his minor.

K
Q
10
8
4
10
9
5
K
Q
J
9
6
SWNE
1NT
X
Pass
2
Pass
2
Pass
Pass
J
9
7
A
8
7
8
6
4
A
10
8
7
Pass Your Partner has bid 2 diamonds in reply to your 2 club bid which asked him for his long minor. You are going to play this contract relaxed!
 
K
Q
10
8
4
A
J
10
9
7
5
6
5
SWNE
1NT
X
Pass
2
Pass
2
Pass
2NT
Pass
3
Pass
Pass
9
7
6
A
10
8
7
8
6
A
10
8
7
Problem E5614
Not fitted in the Major... to play a ♣ contract
 
 
The ensuing bidding: your Partner passes with a strong hand and turns the double into a penalty double.
7
2
Q
9
7
6
2
A
Q
J
10
4
3
SWNE
1NT
X
Pass
Pass
A
K
9
8
4
10
8
A
7
6
K
6
5
Pass South, who knows that his side has the majority of points by far, passes and cashes 3 down doubled and vulnerable...
 
 
Back to the summary