9-2-2026

Opening 1NT with a 5 card major.

This week we will continue the above theme by looking at hand 18.

After Norths pass, East has the dilemma of what to open. Interestingly the losing trick count gives an answer of 8.

Normally 1 level suit openings have 7 or less losers while balanced 1NT openings often have 8 losers.

If you choose to open a spade West will probably raise to 2S even if S overcalls a dodgy 2C.

If E opens 1NT this almost certainly silences S and W will pass.

One of the advantages of opening 1NT is that it makes it much more difficult for the opposition to safely overcall.

The spade contract is awful with no prospect of ruffing in the pancake like W hand and declarer will normally make 4 spades and the two aces for 6 tricks.

Some pairs might scramble an extra trick but only one pair was gifted 8 tricks and they were playing in 3S.

That meant that no declarer is spades made their contract.

If E declares in 1NT they can make the same 6 tricks which is only 1 off.

This would be a good score but on the lead of the JC declarer should cover with the queen and then kill the king with the ace.

This leaves 9 3 on the table and S has the marked 10C (they did lead the jack) so the 9C becomes a stopper (and an eventual winner to add to the other 6 tricks declarer can make.

Making 1NT brings home all of the matchpoints.

Another hand to add to the argument in favour of bidding 1NT with a 5 card major.

In future weeks we will continue looking at hands both in favour and against this style of bidding.

Tip of the week.

Discuss with your partner how you bid balanced hands with a 5 card major in your opening 1NT point range.

The analysis is my own opinion and you may well disagree. Always make sure you know your own system before you play.

Mark Rixon