Sunday, December 22, 2013

2-Over-1: Responder’s Second Bid After 1 NT – Part Two


Pass opener in his second suit:

North:
♠ 8                   South         North
A Q 8 7        1♠               1 NT
6 5 3 2          2               Pass
♣ 9 7 6 5


Yuk! North's pass indicates a singleton spade. With two spades, North would bid 2♠. North should not bid 2 — bidding 2 in a new suit shows 5+ cards after a 1 NT response. Also note, if South repeated his first suit, North can easily pass.

Bid 2 NT:

North:
♠ Q 8                 South       North
A Q 8             1♠            1 NT
J 7 6                2            2 NT
♣ Q 6 5 3 2 

North shows a nice balanced hand. He should have 10-12 points, and probably a doubleton in South’s major. Don’t bid 2 NT with 6 to 9 points. Remember, 1 NT Forcing has a point count range of 5 up to 12.

With weak hands, it is usually better to play in a 2-level trump suit than in 1 NT. 

It is responder’s job to make sure the partnership lands in the safest contract.


©2013 Roberta Salob