Bidding NoTrump

1) STRENGTH

In all cases when bidding NoTrump the opener needs a balance hand. Introducing NoTrump always describes a limited point count zone.
Partner opens 1 NoTrump with 15-17 HCP
Partner opens 1 suit and after your bid jumps to 2 NoTrump with 18-19HCP
Partner opens 2 NoTrump with 20-21 HCP
Partner opens 2 Clubs and after your bid responds 2 NoTrump with 22-24HCP
Partner opens 2 Clubs and after your bid, responds 3NoTrump with 25-27HCP

 

Responding to 1 NoTrump

The Stayman Convention
The Stayman Convention is used to explore a possible match for a four card major. Responder needs a a 4 card major. We will handle 5 and 6 card majors differently.

1) STRENGTH
Responder needs 9HCP (or 8 with a 5 card major or a singleton) or more for the possibility of bidding game. With (0 – 8), you should pass 1 NoTrump.

The responder bids 2Clubs, an artificial bid asking opener if he has a 4 card major.

Opener’s next bid to the Stayman Convention
If opener has 4 Spades     bid 2Spades
If opener has 4 Hearts       bid 2Hearts
If opener has neither 4H nor 4S   bid 2Diamonds

If opener did not bid your major
If you definitely have 25 HCP       bid 3NT
If you have a possibility of 26 HCP   bid 2NT

If responder has both a 4 card major and also a 5 card major bid the 5 card major – and opener did not bid your 5 card major or the 4 card major then

With 9 points bid the 5 card major cheaply
With 10+ point jump to the 3 level
Opener will carry on to game in the major with 3 cards in the major else will bid 3NT.

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