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The bidding after an 1NT opening
Responding to 1NT
Without 4+ in a major (hearts/spades)
- 0-7 points: pass
- 8-9 points: 2NT
- 10+ points: 3NT
With exactly 4 cards in hearts/spades/both
- 0-7 points: pass
- 8+ points: 2♣ (Stayman Convention)
With 5+ cards in hearts/spades
- From 0 points:
- 2♦ promises 5+ hearts (Jacoby Transfer)
- 2♥ promises 5+ spades (Jacoby Transfer)
- After 2♦/♥, the 1NT opener is obliged to bid 2♥/♠
1NT opener's rebid
Responding to 2♣ (Stayman)
- Partner asks about a four card major
- Bid 2♦ without a 4-card in hearts/spades
- Bid 2♥ with 4+ cards in hearts
- Bied 2♠ with 4+ cards in spades (and not in hearts)
- Never deviate from this scheme. Partner is in control of the bidding!
Responding to 2♦/♥ (Jacoby Transfer)
- After 2♦ you should bid 2♥
- After 2♥ you should bid 2♠
Responder's second bid
Rebid after 2♣ (Stayman)
The 1NT opener has now bed 2♦/♥/♠:
- 2♦: Partner does not have a 4 card major. Now bid:
- 2NT with 8-9
- 3NT with 10+
- 2♥/♠ Partner has a 4 card major.
- Do you have a fit? Invite by bidding on the 3 level with 8-9 points. With 10+, bid game on the 4 level
- Don't have a fit? Then bid 2NT with 8-9 to invite and 3NT with 10+ points
Rebid after 2♦/♥ (Jacoby Transfer)
The 1NT opener has accepted the transfer by bidding 2♥/♠
- with < 7 points: pass
- with 8-9 points:
- with a 5-card suit: 2NT
- with a 6-card suit: 3♥/♠ (a fit is certain)
- with 10+ points:
- with a 5-card suit: 3NT (let partner choose between 3NT and 4♥/♠
- with a 6-card suit: 4♥/♠ (a fit is certain)