Bridge Tips - Bidding, No. 1 - 2NT rebid expectations
1♥ – 2♥ –
2NT
Under normal circumstances, a simple rebid after a bid of a suit would show
15 / 16 points and even distribution. However, in this particular sequence,
the NT rebid shows the next step up, i.e. 17 / 18 points. The reason is that,
as opener has a weak hand with an absolute maximum of 9 points, there is
no point in continuing with a 15 / 16 count hand – the chances of making
game are negligible.
Here’s an example of the kind of hand you might have for this 2NT bid:-
Even distribution, 17 / 18 points but no obvious trial bid as your cards
and points are evenly distributed. Opener can then bid:- Pass, 3♥, 3NT or
4♥ depending on his strength and distribution.
1♥ – 1♠ – 2♥ – 2NT
Again, under normal circumstances, a simple bid of 2NT would promise 10 –
12 points and even distribution, but minimal support for opener’s suit –
a doubleton at best, with 3-card suit he’d have given delayed support.
Again, because opener is weak, there is no point in continuing with a moderate
10 – 12 point hand, as opener could be as weak as 10 or 11 points with a
5 or 6-card suit.
This bid shows a stronger hand, about 12 - 14 points.
Here’s an example of the kind of hand you might have:-
Opener can then a number of options open to him, including:- Pass, 3♥, 3♠,
3NT, 4♥ or 4♠, depending on his strength and distribution – even with your
14 points, game isn’t guaranteed if he opened on a bare minimum such as:
-
If you’d responded 2NT with 10 – 12 points on something like the following
hand, your chances of making 2NT or 3♥ would have been minimal:-