Which of the following hands should be opened 1 no trump?

S - AQx
H - J9xx
D - KQJx
C - QJ

S - Kxx
H - Q10xxx
D - KQJ
C - Ax

S - Q10x
H - Axx
D - xxx
C - AKQJ

S - Kxxxx
H - Qx
D - AJx
C - AQx

S - xx
H - AQxx
D - AQx
C - AJxx

Answer: ________________________________________________________________

Requirements: reasonably balanced (no voids or singletons), 15-17 high card points, at least 3 of the 4 suits stopped, and 5 card major is O.K.

The following hands are flawed for a 1 no trump opening:

S - Q
H - AJxx
D - KQxx
C - KQxx

S - KQJx
H - AQx
D - KJx
C - Kxx

S - AQJx
H - xxx
D - 10x
C - AKJx

S - Jx
H - KJ
D - AQx
C - Axxxxx

S - AKQJx
H - Qxx
D - xx
C - Axx

Question: After you have shown your sound 1 no trump opening, will you direct the partnership to the final contract? Answer: _____________________________________

What should responder (partner) do?

0-7 points, balanced hand = PASS

8-9 points, balanced hand = Some players bid 2 no trump (invitational). I prefer two clubs (artificial), then 2 no trump (invitational) ***

10 –15 points, balanced hand = bid 3 no trump

16 or more points = think about slam, which will be a discussion for another evening.

2 clubs (Stayman convention) = Asking partner if he has a 4-card major

2 diamonds = * (Announcement) Jacoby transfer to hearts

2 hearts = * (Announcement) Jacoby transfer to spades

2 spades = transfer to clubs

2 no trump (directly) = transfer to diamonds

3 clubs = both minors, weak hand……..may stop here or correct to 3 diamonds.

3 diamonds = both minors, strong hand……….forcing to at least 3 no trump.
    N. B. If the 1 no trump opener bids anything other than 3 no trump, it is encouraging and suggests interest in a minor suit slam.

1. Check the website for more assistance: www.hartfordbridgeclub.org

2. Hartford Bridge Club manager: Donna Feir, phone (860) 953-3177
e-mail: clubmanager@hartfordbridgeclub.org

3. Bob Bencker, phone (860) 706-7619, email: