Main

Detail specifications 21LA - Level 2

Responder's 1st bid to a 1NT opening

Replies to a 1NT opening.
Your Partner promises you exactly 15-17HCP and a regular distribution. To be able to bid game you must have a minimum of 8HCP.
Two conventions exist to find a major card fit. : Stayman and Texas. They are an absolute must.

   1) Without a 4 card major:
  • PASSE avec moins de 8H
  • 2 SA avec 8H : proposition de manche
  • 3 SA avec 9-10H : la manche
  • 4 SA avec 17H : proposition de petit chelem

SWNE
1 SA Pass
Pass
Jack Spades
8 Spades
6 Spades
5 Spades
Queen Hearts
8 Hearts
7 Hearts
Jack Clubs
7 Clubs
6 Clubs
King Diamonds
7 Diamonds
3 Diamonds
Problem E4821 PASS Dont put the Opener at risk - he might have a minimum opening. Even if your P is at his maximum, game doesnt often happen with such a hand!
 
SWNE
1 SA Pass
2 SA
10 Spades
5 Spades
3 Spades
Jack Hearts
3 Hearts
Ace Clubs
10 Clubs
9 Clubs
8 Clubs
King Diamonds
10 Diamonds
9 Diamonds
8 Diamonds
Problem E4822 2NT with 8HCP; it's your P's choice. Minimum opening he passes, with 16HCP he'll go to game.
 
 
2 : Stayman

  • Promises 8HCP minimum
  • and 1 or 2 of the majors with 4 cards or even a major with 5 and a major with 4

The Opener uses the bidding convention after Responder's 2 :
  • 2 no 4 card major
  • 2 SA both majors with 4 cards
  • his 4 card major at the 2 level (2 ou 2 ).
Dominique recommends NOT to rebid 2NT with 2 aces.. This convention is totally useless. (cf bidding tips level 3).
SWNE
1 SA Pass
2 Trefle
5 Spades
4 Spades
3 Spades
Ace Hearts
King Hearts
10 Hearts
3 Hearts
5 Clubs
4 Clubs
3 Clubs
Ace Diamonds
Jack Diamonds
9 Diamonds
Problem E2062 2 Stayman : with a 4 card major and more than 8HCP.
 
SWNE
1 SA Pass
Pass
King Spades
6 Spades
4 Spades
3 Spades
5 Hearts
4 Hearts
Jack Clubs
3 Clubs
Queen Diamonds
Jack Diamonds
8 Diamonds
5 Diamonds
3 Diamonds
Problem E2334 PASS Without any special distribution and only 7HCP - dont take any risks. Here Pass is the correct bid to 1NT.
 
 
With a 5 card major and minimum strength. : Texas
This conventions uses the suit just below to bid the one that interests us. :
   2 for
  2 for
The Opener rectifiys on the next round, thus bidding 2 (over 2 ). or 2 (over 2 )
Texas : Enables The Opener to declare the contract. Therefore the strong hand remains hidden from Opps.
SWNE
1 SA Pass
2 Coeur Pass
Ace Spades
King Spades
Queen Spades
5 Spades
4 Spades
3 Spades
5 Hearts
3 Hearts
6 Clubs
5 Clubs
4 Clubs
5 Diamonds
4 Diamonds
Problem E2074 2 Thanks to Texas, The Opener is The Declarer. Therefore protecting his , and honors.
 
 
With a 2 suiter hand and at least 10HCP
  • 4 : both majors with 5 cards

With a strong one-suiter hand : 3 in that suit shows slam hopes.
SWNE
1 SA Pass
4 Carreau
King Spades
Queen Spades
10 Spades
9 Spades
8 Spades
Queen Hearts
Jack Hearts
10 Hearts
7 Hearts
4 Hearts
Jack Clubs
10 Clubs
8 Clubs
Problem E1224 4 shows both majors with 5 cards.