NT Openings

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.

Example 1:	Open 1C, Partner replies 1H, You respond 1NT.
Example 2:	Open 1H, Partner replies 2C, You respond 2NT.