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If you remember_just one_thing
In this series Andrew, features one improtant point per Article. Bit by bit the reader will improve their game.
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Andrew:
Responding 1NT
The 1NT response to a one-of-a-suit opener is a “dustbin” bid, a bid for those weak responding hands that have no viable alternative (unable to bid a suit because they lack the strength for a two over- one response). All true - when the opponent on responder’s right is silent. But if he overcalls, things change. Why? If responder passes, opener now gets another bid. The pressure to respond with a measly six or seven points to keep the bidding alive for an 18 or 19 point opener has gone. Your 1NT response becomes a much stronger statement that you wish to declare 1NT. You will have a balanced(ish) 6-9 point hand (usually nearer nine) and, crucially, a stopper in the overcaller’s suit. Partner opens 1 ♥. Right-hand opponent overcalls 1 ♠
| Hand a) | Hand b) | Hand c) | ||||
|
♠ J 7 5 ♥ J 7 ♦ K 2 ♣ Q 9 7 5 4 3 |
♠ 7 4 3 2 ♥ 7 5 ♦ K 9 8 ♣ K J 5 3 |
♠ Q 10 7 6 ♥ 9 6 ♦ K J 2 ♣ Q 8 4 2 |
(A) Pass. (No spade stopper).
(B) Pass. (No spade stopper).
(C) Bid 1NT. (Spade stopper).
|
North Deals Both Vul |
♠ K 8 ♥ A K Q 7 3 ♦ A 8 4 ♣ Q 9 5 |
||||||||||
|
♠ J 9
♥ 10 8 4 2 ♦ 10 9 7 ♣ K 6 4 2 |
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♠ A Q 10 7 4
♥ 9 6 ♦ J 3 2 ♣ A 10 8 |
|||||||||
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♠ 6 5 3 2 ♥ J 5 ♦ K Q 6 5 ♣ J 7 3 |
|||||||||||
How the deal was bid
| West | North | East | South |
| 1 ♥ | 1 ♠ | 1 N1 | |
| Pass | 3 N | End |
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What Happened
3NT declared by South was a disaster because of the lack of a spade stopper. West led ♠J through dummy’s ♠K. ♠K lost to ♠A, and ♠Q1074 followed quickly after. ♣A then ♣10 to ♣K ensured down three.
How the deal should be bid
| West | North | East | South |
| 1 ♥ | 1 ♠ | Pass | |
| Pass | 1 N1 | Pass | 2 N |
| Pass | 3 N | End |
|
What Should Have Happened
3NT by North - with ♠K guarded - would only fail on a unlikely club lead. The probable ♠7 lead would see declarer beat ♠J with ♠K and cash five hearts and four diamonds (with the aid of a 3-3 split). Game made plus one.
If you remember just one thing...
After an overcall, a 1NT response is genuine, showing a flattish 6-9 points and a stopper in the overcaller’s suit.
