NT openers and rebids when playing Precision

When hot

• 1NT opening shows a balanced 13-15 HCP
• 1 -1 - 1NT shows a balanced 16-19 HCP
• 1 -1 - 2NT shows a balanced 20-21 HCP
• 1 -1 - 3NT shows a balanced 24-26 HCP (2NT opener shows 22-23)

When not hot

• 1NT opening shows a balanced 10-12 HCP
• 1 -1 - 1NT shows a balanced 16-19 HCP
• 1 -1 - 2NT shows a balanced 20-21 HCP
• 1 -1 - 3NT shows a balanced 24-26 HCP (2NT opener shows 22-23)

Responding to 1 (16 >)

• 1 shows 0-7 HCP (one exception 7 HCP consisting of an Ace and a King both in long suits or both in the same suit)
• 1 shows at least 5 hearts and 8 HCP or more
• 1 shows at least 5 spades and 8 HCP or more
• 2 shows at least 5 clubs and 8 HCP or more
• 2 shows at least 5 diamonds and 8 HCP or more
• INT shows a balanced 8-13 HCP with no 5 card suit
• 2/2 shows a 6 card suit with 4-6 HCP with the HCP concentrated in the suit 2NT would ask for shortness (singletons or void)
• 2NT shows a balanced 14+ with no 5 card suit
• 3 shows 4,4,4,1 with a black singleton lacking 4 controls. Usually less than 12 HCP
• 3 shows 4,4,4,1 with a red singleton lacking 4 controls. Usually less than 12 HCP over these 2 bids the next available bid asks partner where their singleton is.

Example 1 -3 -3 - 3 shows a singleton club, 3 shows a singleton spade

Example 2 1 -3 -3 - 3 shows a singleton diamond, 3NT shows a singelton heart.

After partner has shown you their singleton you can bid that suit to ask for controls (aces and kings). the first step is 0-2 (at most 1 Ace or 2 kings) then 3,4 etc

• 3 shows 1,4,4,4 (stiff spade)with 4+ controls. Usually 12+ HCP.
• 3NT shows 4,4,4,1(stiff club)with 4+ controls. Usually 12+ HCP.
• 4 shows 4,4,1,4(stiff diamond)with 4+ controls. Usually 12+ HCP
• 4 shows 4,1,4,4(stiff heart)with 4+ controls. Usually 12+ HCP Bidding partner`s singleton asks for controls. the first step shows 4 controls, next 5 etc.
• 3 shows any solid 7 or 8 card suit with or without side controls. A suit that will play for no losers opposite a singleton. Opener`s bids are:
  • 4 asking if partner has any outside controls answers are:
  • 4 = No outside controls
  • 4 = an outside king
  • 4 = and outside ace or 2 kings
  • 4NT = an ace and 2 or 3 kings.

After opener`s first asking bid, any new suit bid other than trump asks for controls in the suit bid

Opener`s rebid after 1-1

• 1/1/2/2 all show 5 card suits.These bids are non-forcing.If you have an extremely strong hand , or a hand with at least 8 tricks do not make a minimum non forcing bid.
• 1NT shows 16-19 HCP
• 2/2 shows the equivalent of a Standard bidder`s 2 opener
• 2NT shows a balanced hand with 20-21 HCP
• 3/3 show very strong ,unbalanced hands with long minor suits
• 3/3 shows a solid suit with an extremely powerful hand (at least 9 tricks)and requires partner to cuebid an Ace or void.This bid sets trump.
• 3NT shows a balanced hand with 24-26 HCP. (22-23 HCP NT hands) are opened 2NT

Responders second bid after they have responded 1 to 1 and opener has bid a major.

• 0-4 pass especially if balanced, if you have a fit and distributional values use your judgement. If you have an ace it is also advisable to keep the bidding open
• If opener has bid 1 or 1 and you have 4-5 support points raise partner to the 2 level. If you are raising with only 4 points make sure you have some distribution.
• Jump raise partner with a fit and 6-7 support points. Always show a fit rather than introducing your own suit except in one instance. If partner has bid 1 and you have 4 or more spades it is acceptable to bid 1 even with 3 card heart support. Partner could have opened 1 with a 4,4,4,1 hand.
• With 5-7 HCP and no fit for partner, you may bid your own suit which shows at least a 5 card suit except in the instance just discussed above, and it is non-forcing. Try to avoid at all costs bidding NT. The strong hand should play NT.

Responders second bid after they have responded 1 to 1 and opener has bid 1NT Opener has show 16-19 HCP and now responder has become captain. Do make make any invitational bids unless you have 7 HCP or some long suit to compensate. With 6 HCP Stayman is safe however. Here are your bids over 1NT

• Transfer into any major of 5 cards or longer and pass with 0-6 HCP. What about 4 suit transfers ??
• 2 Stayman with 6 or 7 HCP Partner`s responses are:
  • 2 = 16-17 HCP with no 4 card major
  • 2 = 16-17 HCP 4 hearts;possibly 4 spades
  • 2 = 16-17 HCP 4 spades;denies 4 hearts
  • 2NT shows 18 HCP with no 4 card major
  • 3 = 18-19 HCP, at least one 4 card major.
• Responder bids 3 to ask which major
  • opener bids hearts first
  • 3 = 19 HCP, no 4 card major.

The Auction after responder has made a positive game forcing response.

• If your hand is balanced, respond in the appropriate level in NT.
• With 16-19 you would respond 1NT over 1 or 1; 2NT over 2 or 2.
• With a balanced hand and 20-21 pts you will bid 2NT over a major response and 3NT over a minor response.
• When you hand is even stronger 24+ balanced you will want to find another bid.

Even with 3 card support for partner and a balanced hand you still might want to bid NT because a direct raise of partner`s suit is the Trump Asking Bid (TAB). The TAB is usually reserved for when opener has slam interest. There are other ways to show support of partner.You could make a jump raise or splinter with 3 card support. With a balanced hand there is no need to to rush to support partner. Let them describe their hand. When using 2 as 4,4,4,1 (11-15) and partner bids your singleton and you have the other 4,4,4,1 range (16-24) then you would bid NT. If partner rebids their suit and you still bid NT they will know you have a singleton.

The positive 1NT response

The positive 2NT response

Trump Asking Bids A direct raise of partner`s major suit response to 1, confirms a fit and is asking partner about the quality of their trump

• 1st step = 5 or more trumps with no top honor
• 2nd step = 5 trumps, 1 top honor
• 3rd step = 5 trumps with 2 top honors
• 4th step = 6 or more trumps with 1 top honor
• 5th step = 6 or more trumps with 2 top honors
• 6th step = Five or more to the AKQ

Control Asking Bids the CAB is always used after the TAB . You can make as many CAB``s as the auction permits and responder must continue to answer your requests until you bid trump.

• 1st step = no control Jxx or worse
• 2nd step = third round control , Queen or doubleton
• 3rd step = second round control, King or singleton
• 4th step = first round control, Ace or void
• 5th step = AK or AQ

If opener uses the CAB for the same suit after your response

• 1st step = length
• 2nd step = strength

Thus if you have shown 3rd round control and partner asks about that suit again, the first step would show a doubleton the second step the guarded queen. The same goes for a singleton. the first step would show a stiff and the second step would show the singleton King If the first CAB is at 5 or higher level the responses are compressed to these:

• 1st step = zero controls
• 2nd step = second round control
• 3rd step = first round control

When they interfere

After 1 X (opening hand values)

• Pass 0-4 HCP
• 1 5-7 HCP
• Redouble positive game force,usually balanced.
• All other responses are the same as if they had not doubled.

After 1 X (showing majors) Same structure applies except that if you bid NT you guarantee stoppers in both majors.

When they overcall 1 of a suit

• Pass 0-4 or trap pass
• Double 5+ balanced or 5-8 unbalanced
• Suit bids are natural and game forcing.
• Cuebid usually shows a balanced game forcing hand with no stopper in ops suit

They overcall 1NT(showing the minors) A variation of Unusual v Unusual can be used over any bid by ops that show known two suiters

• 2 shows 5 or more hearts,game forcing.
• 2 shows 5 or more spades,game forcing.
• 2/2 natural but not forcing
• Double shows an interest in penalizing one of their suits

They overcall at the 2 level

• Double = 6-8 HCP, any shape. If they overcall 2, you can no longer jump to 3 for the unusual positive, so you might have the 4-4-4-1 pattern. The 3 option is still open over 2, however, since that would be a jump. Also, after responder doubles, a new suit by opener is a 1 round force.
• Suit bids are positive and game forcing.
• 2NT = 8-10 or 14+ balanced with stoppers.
• 3NT - 11-13 with stoppers.
• A cuebid shows the values to be in game but no clear cut action; no long suit, no stopper in the overcaller`s suit.

They overcall at the 3 level

• Double = a balanced hand with a positive response.
• Suit bids are positive and game forcing
• 3NT = 8-11 with stoppers.

What to do when they overcall after 1 - P - 1 - (1/1 overcall)

• Pass shows a balanced minimum with no 5 card suit
• Double = takeout (support for the other suits)
• Suit bids are natural (5 or more in the suit)and are not forcing
• 1NT shows a stopper and the upper end of NT range
• 2NT shows a stopper and the equivalent of a 2NT rebid without the interference.
• Cuebid = strong hand , lacking a stopper.

After 1 - P - 1 - 1NT (showing the minors)

• Pass shows a balanced minimum
• Double is penalty orientated
• 2 shows 5 or more hearts,and extra values (Unusual v Unusual)
• 2 shows 5 or more spades,and extra values
• 2/2 natural but not forcing
• 2NT = upper end of 1NT rebid range, stoppers in the minors.

After 1 - P - 1-X (showing diamonds)

• Pass shows a balanced minimum
• 1NT shows a diamond stopper with the upper end of the range.
• Suit bids ignore the double.

When the interference is higher than the one level

Pass shows a balanced minimum

Other bids take on a bit more weight Unusual v Unusual still applies over 2NT

Other opening bids

1 shows 11-15 HCP (Alert may have only 2 diamonds)

1/1 5 or more 11-15 HCP

2/2 6 card suit 5-10 HCP

2NT balanced 22-23 HCP (may have a 5 card major , Puppet Stayman is played)

2 opener 11-15 HCP and shows at least 6 clubs

• 2/2 show 5 card suits and are constructive but not forcing (usually 8 to a poor 10 HCP).
• 2NT is a natural, invitational bid showing 10-11 HCP. If opener wishes to decline the invitaion he bids 3,any other bid is game forcing.
• 3 is a preemptive raise.
• 3/3/3 are game forcing bids showing 6 card or longer suits
• 3NT shows a balanced hand with stoppers in unbid suits.
• 4 is preemptive, therefore
• 4 is Minor Suit Keycard for clubs.
• 4/4 to play
• 2 is the asking bid.responses are:
  • 2/2 shows a 4 card suit (over either of these bids partner can invite game by raising the major)
  • 2NT = no 4 card major and a relatively balanced hand 11-13 HCP
  • 3 = unbalanced
  • 3 = 4 or 5 diamonds
  • 3 = 5 or more hearts and 6 or more clubs
  • 3 = solid club suit or 14-15 balanced (allowing responder to bid NT when appropriate)
  • 3NT = 5 or more spades and 6 or more hearts.

2 opener 11-15 HCP short in diamonds. One of these hand shapes: 4,3,1,5 / 3,4,1,5 / 4,4,1,4 / 4,4,0,5

Responses to 2 are:

• 2/2/3 to play
• 2NT asks for description responses are:
  • 3 = 3,4,1,5
  • 3 = 4,3,1,5
  • 3 = 4,4,1,4
  • 3 = 4,4,0,5
  • 3NT = 4,4,1,4 (with the Ace or King of diamonds and 14-15 HCP)

Once hand pattern is known responder can ask for controls by bidding diamonds.

• 1st step 0-2 controls
• 2nd step 3 controls etc

You can cuebid diamonds directly over 2 if you do not care about shape and want to ask for contols right away

Handling Interference

• All doubles are for penalty
• 2NT means the same as no interference
• Over ops double a redouble says I would like to play 2 doubled
• Pass is a waiting action allowing opener to show their shape. Bids are:
  • Redouble = 4,4,1,4 or 4,4,0,5 with a minimum
  • 2 = 3,4,1,5
  • 2 = 4,3,1,5
  • 3 = 4,4,1,4 max
  • 3 = 4,4,0,5 max
  • 3NT = 4,4,1,4 (with the Ace or King of diamonds and 14-15 HCP)

When we open 1NT 10-12 or 13-15

2 is stayman.There is no drop dead Stayman because we need a way to show the invitational hands with a 5 or 6 card major.

over 1NT-2-2 now

• 2/2 shows 5 card inv hand,
• 3/3 shows 6 card inv hand

over 1NT-2-2 now

• 3 would show the inv heart hand.Pass, raise, or bid 3NT.

2 is game forcing stayman

2/2 to play

2nt shows 5-5 minors or majors no game interest

3/3/3/3 6 card over 10-12 nt opener shows 10-12 hcp 3/3/3/3 6 card over 13-15 nt opener shows 7-9 hcp

2 Forcing to Game Stayman. Forcing Stayman bidder knows that partner does not have a 5 card major and another 4 card side suit. Opener will only get a chance to show his 5 card suit if responder asks for further clarification of the hand. When opener has a 5 card major and the bidding goes 1NT-2-2(New Suit), Opener now does not rebid his 5 card major but shows support (or lack thereof) for responders suit. Responder must also keep in mind when they have a game forcing hand that partner may have a 5 major when opening INT. It is a simple process after opener shows he has at least a 4 card major to find out if they have 5 by bidding 2NT as a further inquiry.

1NT -P - 2 Forcing to Game, does not promise a 4 card major. Responses:

• 2 shows 4/5 , (may have 4 if only 4 ).
• 2 shows 4/5 (does not have 4 )
• 2NT denies a 4 card major or a 5 card minor
• 3 denies a 4 card major but shows 5 or more
• 3 denies a 4 card major but shows 5 or more

1NT-2 -2 - 2 (responder has 5 or more ). Responses are:

• 2NT max hand doubleton
• 3/3/3 honour 3rd support or better with Ace of bid suit
• 3 honour 3rd support or better, either a minimum or no cue-bid.
• 3NT minimum hand with xx
• 4 xxx in
• 4NT RKC

INT-2-2- 2NT - asks shapeResponses are:

• 3 = 4 + 4
• 3= 4 + 4
• 3 = 5
• 3 = 4 + 4
• 3NT = 3,4,3,3

INT-2-2-3 (responder has 5 or more - slam try) Responses are:

• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and the Ace
• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and Ace - denies Ace
• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and Ace - denies lower Aces
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available
• 4 RKC

1NT-2-2-3 (responder has 5 or more - slam try). Responses are:

• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and the Ace
• 3 promises honour 3rd or better shows Ace - denies Ace
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available.
• 4 promises honour 3rd or better with Ace and no other Aces
• 4 RKC for

1NT-2-2

• 3 (responder has 10 or more HCP & 4 or more , slam try ).
• 3 splinter 10 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try, 4NT is RKC
• 4 splinter 10 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try, 4NT is RKC
• 4 splinter 10 or more HCP, 4 or more, slam try, 4NT is RKC
• 3NT to play
• 4NT RKC

1NT-2-2 - 2NT asks shape Responses are:

• 3 = 4 + 4
• 3 = 4 + 4
• 3 = 5
• 3NT = 4,3,3,3

1NT-2 -2 - 3 (responder has 5 or more - slam try) Responses are:

• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and the Ace
• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and Ace - denies Ace
• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and Ace - denies lower Aces
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available 4 RKC

1NT-2-2 - 3 (responder has 5 or more - slam try) Responses are:

• 3 promises honour 3rd or better and the Ace
• 3 promises honour 3rd or better shows Ace
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available.
• 4 promises honour 3rd or better with Ace 4 RKC for

1NT - 2 - 2NT - 3 (responder has 10 or more HCP 5) Responses are:

• 3/4/4 honour 3rd support or better with Ace of bid suit
• 3NT doubleton
• 4 xxx

1NT-2-2

• 3 (responder has 4 or more ,10 or more HCP - slam try)
• 4NT is RKC
• 4 splinter 10 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try ,4NT is RKC
• 4 splinter 10 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try, 4NT is RKC
• 4 splinter 10 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try, 4NTis RKC
• 3NT to play
• 4NT RKC

1NT-2-2NT-3 asks shape Responses are:

• 3 = 3,3,4,3
• 3 = 2,3,4,4
• 3 = 3,2,4,4
• 3NT = 3,3,3,4

1NT-2-2NT

• 3 shows 5 or more slam try
• 3 shows 10+ HCP and 5 slam try
• 3 shows 10+ HCP and 5 slam try

Runouts over 1NT- X (Must run with less than 9 pts 10-12 NT, less than 6 pts 13-15 NT)

• Bid a suit touching suits, that and higher.
• redouble forces the opener to bid 2. Responder has a single suited hand.
• pass  forces the opener to redbl., which may be left in or start of showing 2 non-touching suits.

Runouts over 1NT P P X Responder may:                      

• Pass with balance of power
• Redouble to show single suited minor hand. Opener must bid 2.
• DONT runouts for 2 suited hands.