Opening 1NT with 5 cards in major and with 15-17H and balanced hand, is not a good idea. Much better is to
open 1 or 1
and to use the
ambiguous response 2
which brings more other benefits.
After opening 1 or 1
, the ambiguous
response 2
presumes a fit in major but with a
weak and flathand of 5-7HCP, limit of Pass. After this
response 2
the opener must always complete
in major to 2
or 2
, except if he has at least 18HCP. This
response 2
is a complement of classical fitted responses such as, for instance after
opening 1
:
* Justifies a safe trial bid by opener if he has at least 15H
** High Support Points
Of course, bidding the response 2 rather than 2
or 2
depends also on distribution.
For instance if the responder has 7HCP, 3 cards in the five-cards major suiter and a singleton,
he will make a direct support bid 2
or 2
instead
of 2
.
But this answer 2 is not always fitted in major,
neither weak nor artificial. If the responder makes a second bid after
2
or 2
, his first answer
2
is classical and natural with at
least 5
and 11HCP and may be fitted in opener's
major.
NB : If the opener has 5 4
he
opens 1
then, after response 2
, he
bids 2
instead of 2
As response to 2, if the responder has a weak hand he passes with 4
and 3
, but bids 2
with
3
without 4
.
We suggest using also this ambiguous answer 2
but only when opening has been made in 1° or 2° position
Never use this ambiguous answer after your Pass when opening has been made in 3° or 4°
position, it would be dangerous : The opener may have only 10-11HCP. But you may or must
use 2 Drury.
NB : This ambiguous answer 2 is also named Zanzibar
If not yet done, we suggest strongly reading Digest of precised major
contact : maubird@orange.fr