No Trump Opening

The range suggested for a 1NT opening is 15 to 17 points. However, you may change it to your liking.
You may also choose to make it variable depending on vulnerability.
In fact a strong case could be made for opening a "mini" notrump (10-12 pts) in fourth position non-vunerable.

Whatever the range, a no trump opening defines a hand very precisely.
Consequently, sometimes responder will be able to ascertain the final contract immediately.
In some cases responder will initiate an inquiry and with the reply, will be in a position to place the final contract.
In a few cases responder will describe his hand and let the opener place the contract.
Stayman is used to inquire for a 4-card major.
Transfer bids are used to let the No Trump opener (the stronger hand) declare. This often gains a trick or a tempo.

Open Resp Rebid Description  
         
1N 2C   Stayman; asking for a 4-card major  
    2D No 4-card major; Responder bids as follows:
Pass: weak hand and at least 4 diamonds
2H: weak hand, 5 card hearts, 4 card spades
2S: weak hand, 5 card spades, 4 card hearts
2N: invite to 3 NT

 
    2H 4 card hearts; may have 4 card spades ; Responder bids as follows:
Pass: weak hand and 3 or 4 hearts
2S: to search for a 4-4 spade fit; opener will bid 3S with 4 cards
2NT: invite partner to bid 3NT
4H: 4 card hearts and game values
 
    2S 4 card spades; no 4 card hearts; Responder bids as follows:
Pass: weak hand and 3 or 4 spades
2NT: invite partner to bid 3NT
4S: 4 card spades and game values
 
  2D   Transfer to Hearts; could be weak or strong  
    2H Responder bids as follows:
 Pass: Weak hand
 2N: Inviting to game (3N or 4H)
 3H: Inviting to 4H (responder has 6 card hearts)
 3N: Opener will correct to 4H with 3 or more hearts.
 
  2H   Transfer to Spades; could be weak or strong  
    2S Responder bids as follows:
 Pass: Weak hand
 2N: Inviting to game (3N or 4S)
 3S: Inviting to 4S (responder has 6 card spades)
 3N: Opener will correct to 4S with 3 or more spades. 		 
  2S   Transfer to clubs  
    2N Preacceptance of the transfer; better than Qx in clubs  
    3C Jx, xxx or less support in clubs  
  2N   Transfer to diamonds  
    3C Preacceptance of the transfer; better than Qx in diamonds  
    3D Jx, xxx or less support in diamonds  


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