Responding to 1NT

After an 1NT opening (or rebid showing the same kind of hand), I play Stayman and transfers. This page gives a summary of a response scheme to 1NT.

Response

Further Bidding
2 Stayman (promising 4M if no relays) See below
2 Transfer to Jacoby Transfer
2 Transfer to Jacoby Transfer
2 Transfer to 2NT (inv. or weak/strong with minor)
2NT Both minors, weak or strong
3/ Asks partner to bid 3NT with top honor
3/ To play
3NT To play
4 5 5 GF
4 Transfer to
4 Transfer to
4 Pick a minor
4NT Quantitative

After interference

Runout after they double
System on after 2
Lebensohl
Negative double after overcall

Stayman

1NT - 2 - ?
  • 2: No 4-card or
  • 2: 4-card , possibly also 4-card
  • 2: 4-card , no 4-card

    1NT - 2 - 2 - ?

  • 2: Weak, 4+ 4+
  • 2: Invite 5 + 4 (alternative: Relay)
  • 2NT: Invitational for 3NT
  • 3: GF, 5 + 4 (Smolen)
  • 3: GF, 5 + 4 (Smolen)
  • 3NT: To play
  • 4/: Splinter, 5 + 5, slam interest

    1NT - 2 - 2 - ?

  • 2: Forcing with (Alternative: Relay)
  • 2NT: Invitational with 4
  • 3: Invitational for 4
  • 3: Splinter for
  • 3NT: To play
  • 4/: Splinter for
  • 4: To play

    1NT - 2 - 2 - ?

  • 2NT: Invitational for 3NT
  • 3: Natural and forcing (alternative: Relay)
  • 3: Forcing with
  • 3: Invitational for 4
  • 3NT: To play
  • 4//: Splinter for
  • 4: To play

    Jacoby Transfers

    1NT - 2 - 2 - ?
  • 2: Invitational, 5 + 4
  • 2NT: 5, Invitational
  • 3: 6, Invitational
  • 3: Splinter for
  • 3NT: To play
  • 4/: Splinter for
  • 4: To play

    1NT - 2 - 2 - ?

  • 2NT: 5, Invitational
  • 3: Invitational, 5 + 5
  • 3: 6, Invitational
  • 3NT: To play
  • 4//: Splinter for
  • 4: To play

    System after they double for penalty

    1NT (dbl) ?
    Pass: can't think of anything better
    Rdbl: message to opps that they are in trouble
    2: Natural or at least two non- suits preparing to run if doubled again
    2: Natural, or 2/3-suited with majors planning to run if doubled again
    2/: Natural

    More complicated variation has several ways to show both majors:
    Equal length: Bid 2 and run to 2
    Longer : Bid 2 and run to 2
    Longer : Bid 2, run to 2 and change your mind again by bidding 2 now.
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