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Detail specifications 41JC - Level 2

Responding to a major/minor double

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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 4 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
Exercise E5606 double After a 1NT opening the double shows a two-suiter with a 5 card minor and a 4 card major. With this hand, no hesitation : double !
 
 
The ensuing bids after a minor/major double
  • If you want to know which minor suit your partner is holding,
    • with a weak hand, bid 2 : he will then pass or shift to 2
    • with a decent hand, allowing you to play at level 3, bid 2 NT
  • If you want to know which major suit your partner is holding, bid 2
  • With a strong hand, you can pass and turn the double into a penalty double!
  • With a 6 card major (or a very solid 5 carder), name it !

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
Exercise E5613 2 with a 4 card major, ask your partner which major he's got...you may find a fit!
 
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
Exercise E5615 2 You are bound to have a fit in a minor suit. Ask your partner to name his.