 |
Beginners Lessons
(Lessons by Allan & Claire Whiteford) |
| Balanced Hand | Unbalanced Hand Less than 11 Points |
Unbalanced Hand 11+ Points |
Exercises |
Balanced Hand
When your partner opens 1NT (12-14 HCP and a balanced hand) and you also have a balanced hand, you will normally want to play in No Trumps. To make Game in No Trumps you need to make 9 tricks (3NT) and normally hold 25+ combined HCP.
- With 0-10 HCP you should Pass
Your side can not have more than 24 combined points which is normally insufficient for Game. - With 11-12 HCP you should bid 2NT
This is called an invitational hand inviting your partner to bid game if your partner holds the maximum points for their bid. In some circumstances if you hold 12 HCP and a hand with good features (see below) it is better to risk biding 3NT straight away.
- If Opener has 12 HCP - They should Pass
- If Opener has 14 HCP - They should Rebid 3NT
- If Opener has 13 HCP - They will Pass or Rebid 3NT depending on the features in their hand.
Good features would include:- The presence of a 5-card suit
- Having 9s and 10s rather than 2s or 3s.
Poor features would include:- Having a suit such as KQ doubleton. This holding may only make 1 trick if your opponents hold the A. In effect 2 of your points are wasted.
- Flat hands with 4,3,3,3, shapes. These are usually more difficult to play in NT.