Standard American Lesson 12
Responding to 1NT with an unbalanced hand
Bid at the 2-level with not enough for game.
Jump to the 3-level with a 5-card major.
This is forcing to game. Partner chooses the better game – either 3NT or 4♥/ 4♠
Bid 4♥/ 4♠ with a 6-card major and enough for game.
Responding to 1NT with Unbalanced hands
Less than game --- bid 2 of longest suit
Game & 5-card major --- jump to 3♥ or 3♠
Game & 6-card major --- bid 4♥ or 4♠
Partner Opens Bidding 1NT what do you bid?
Hand 1.
Your Hand
♠ Q 7
♥ J 10 8 7 5 4
♦ 8 7 2
♣ A 7
Your Bid
2♥ Remember that the choice of the best contract lies with the responder. Bidding a suit at the 2-level after partner opens 1NT, is called a “weakness takeout”. The opener must pass any bid at the 2 level.
Hand 2.
Your Hand
♠ A 7 6
♥ J 10 8 7 5 4
♦ 10 9
♣ A Q
Your Bid
Bid 4 ♥ the right game as you have at least 8 hearts between you (partner must have 2 at least) and enough high card points for game.
Hand 3.
Your Hand
♠ 9 3
♥ 10 2
♦ J 7 6 5 4 3
♣ 10 9 2
Your Bid
2♦ Remember that the choice of the best contract lies with the responder. Bidding a suit at the 2-level after partner opens 1NT, is called a “weakness takeout”. The opener must pass any bid at the 2 level.
Hand 4.
Your Hand
♠ K 5
♥ K J 10 8 2
♦ A 6 5
♣ 10 9 2
Your Bid
3♥ In the last example you show 5 hearts and game values. This bid is forcing. Partner will bid 3NT or 4♥, depending on the number of hearts in the combined hands.
REMEMBER: The opener must pass any bid at the 2 level.
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