6.4 Competing over the Opponents’ 1NT Opener

15 - 17 Strong Notrump

Them	Us	Them	Us
1NT	?

Dbl	Good hand with good lead, essentially a penalty double, although partner may pull with an unbalanced, very weak hand
2♣	5+ hearts and 5+ minor
2♦	5+ spades and 5+ minor
2♥	5+ hearts (usually 6)
2♠	5+ spades (usually 6)
2NT	minors

Philosophy

When they open a strong 1NT, our goal is to confuse or find a sacrifice. You should almost always be five-five or better. Jumps by the responder are not invitational, just show extra trumps, although the overcaller is allowed to bid game with a very good hand.

12 - 15 Weak Notrump

Them	Us	Them	Us
1NT	?

Dbl	Top of their range or better, relatively balanced
2♣	4+ hearts and 5+ minor
2♦	4+ spades and 5+ minor
2♥	5+ hearts, might have 4 minor
2♠	5+ spades, might have 4 minor

Philosophy

The minimum overcall is about the same strength as any other two-level overcall, our intention is to bid our own game if we have one. Jumps by responder are invitational. If we double the weak NT and they run, we must bid if the opponents are going to let the auction die at 2♥ or lower. So…

Them	Us	Them	Us
1NT	Dbl	2♦	?

Pass	Good enough hand to defend if partner doubles 2♦, or a very good hand
2♥	Poor hand, 4+ hearts
2♠	Poor hand, 4+ spades
2NT	Not used
3♣	Poor hand, usually 5+ clubs

Them	Us	Them	Us
1NT	Dbl	2♦	Pass
Pass	Dbl	Pass	?

2♥	Forcing one round, at least 10 HCP
2♠	Forcing one round, at least 10 HCP
2NT	Not used
3♣	Forcing one round, at least 10 HCP

Them	Us	Them	Us
1NT	2♣	Pass	?

2♦	5+ diamonds, constructive
2♥	Heart preference
2♠	5+ spades, constructive
2NT	Asks for partner’s minor, going back to hearts on the next round is forcing
3♣	5+ clubs, constructive
3♦	Unused
3♥	Invitational
3♠	Unused
3NT	Game if you make it

Them	Us	Them	Us
1NT	2♦	Pass	?

2♥	5+ hearts, constructive
2♠	Spade preference
2NT	Asks for partner’s minor, going back to spades on the next round is forcing
3♣	5+ clubs, constructive
3♦	5+ diamonds, constructive
3♥	unused
3♠	Invitational
3NT	Game if you make it

10 - 12 Mini Notrump

Same defense as weak notrump, double shows a good 13 or better, relatively balanced.