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Beginners Lessons
(Lessons by Allan & Claire Whiteford) |
Open 1NT
To Open 1NT you should have 12 - 14 HCP and a balanced hand. A balanced shape can be:
| 4,3,3,3 or |
| 4,4,3,2 or |
| 5,3,3,2 providing the 5-card suit is a minor |
You do not open 1NT with a 5-card major as this may prevent you from finding a major game contract. Note: you do not need to have points in every suit.
NT Openings - with more than 14 HCP
(1) With a Balanced Hand and 15-17 HCP, open
your longest suit and then rebid No Trumps at the lowest possible level.
A single raise.
| Example 1: | Open 1C, Partner replies 1H, You respond 1NT. |
| Example 2: | Open 1H, Partner replies 2C, You respond 2NT. |
(2) With a Balanced Hand and 18-19 HCP, open
your longest suit and then jump rebid No Trumps by bidding 1 level more
than necessary. A jump raise.
| Example 1: | Open 1C, Partner replies 1H, You respond 2NT |
| Example 2: | Open 1H, Partner replies 2C, You respond 3NT |
(3) With a Balanced Hand and 20-22 HCP, open 2NTs.
Opening 2NT with a 5-card major is allowed as it is more important to show your strong hand than risk missing a major fit.