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Responding to 1NT with 0-9 points
Negative responses are an attempt to find the safest contract as it is painful going light in 1NT.
Replying with a minimum hand 0-9 points
Negative Responses to Partner’s 1NT opening bid
| No Trump Opening Bid | Responders Negative Reply | Meaning of Responder Bid |
|---|---|---|
| 1NT | Pass | Game is out of reach and you have no five card suit to bid |
| 1NT | 2C | Stayman, promising a 4+ card major asking partner to bid their 4 card major (2H or 2S) if they have one, otherwise rebid 2D (can have as few as 8 HCP for this bid) |
| 1NT | 2D, 2H or 2S | are all sign off bids – promising five cards in the bid suit with only minimum points. Opener must pass. |
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Negative Responses to Partner’s 2NT opening bid
| No Trump Opening Bid | Responders Negative Reply | Meaning of Responder Bid |
|---|---|---|
| 2NT | Pass | Game is out of reach and you have no five card suit to bid |
| 2NT | 3C | Stayman, promising a 4+ card major asking partner to bid their 4 card major (3H or 3S) if they have one, otherwise bid 3D |
| 2NT | 3D, 3H or 3S | are all sign off bids – promising five cards in the bid suit with only minimum points. Opener must pass. |
Negative Responses to Partner’s 3NT opening bid
| No Trump Opening Bid | Responders Negative Reply | Meaning of Responder Bid |
|---|---|---|
| 3NT | Pass | no five card suit to bid and less than 8 HCP for a slam |
| 3NT | 5D, 4H or 4S | are all sign off bids – promising five cards in the bid suit with only minimum points. Opener must pass. |
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