8-12-2025

The weak NT

There is much debate about whether a weak or strong NT is better.

There are arguments for and against both, and a lot of people are adamant that there range is the best.

In the UK the weak NT (12-14) is the most popular and todays hand sees the problems that such an opening can cause.

Playing a weak NT North quite happily opens 1NT and South tries their best not to look worried, This may get ugly.

However E/W have 26 high card points between them and they can make 3NT, but can they bid it?

There are many defences to 1NT (one web site lists over 30) such as Landy, Modified Landy,

Apstro and a natural defence. I wont go into details of these now but whatever method E/W are

using E probably feels the need to get in the auction. Playing a natural defence E can bid 2D

(probably showing an opening hand and a good 5 or 6 card suit. South passes with a (hidden) sigh of relief and now 3NT by West seems a reasonable bid.

Some pairs may play a convention to show a two suited hand and if W can work out what they are 3NT should again be biddable.

Four pairs didn’t manage to bid the game with W playing in 2S twice and E playing once in 2D and once in 3H.

Three pairs found the 3NT and on the lead of the 8S or AD West can wrap up 11 tricks as theyretain control and can knock out the

AK diamonds for their only losers. The club lead restricts West to 9 tricks.

The hand can be played double dummy since the most South can have is 2 points so the KH is marked with N and after any lead West can gaurantee the

contract by playing a small heart from hand towards the QH.

A rare hand where there is a NT game on for the opposition after a NT opener but the traveller suggests that it is not easy to find without a good understanding

of your defensive methods.

Tip of the week.

Make sure you agree your defence to 1NT with your partner.

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

Mark Rixon