Bridge

1NT

bid

1NT

promises

• 15–17 HCP
• balanced
• no 5-card major

conditions

15–17 HCP, H:≤4, S:≤4, short:2–13

why

1NT pins down strength and shape in a single descriptive bid. The 15–17 range is wide enough to be frequent but narrow enough for partner to place the contract precisely over Stayman or transfers.

what happens next

Partner passes with 0–7, uses Stayman (2♣) or transfers (2♦/2♥), or jumps to game.

partner

Uncontested — what happens next if the opponent passes.

PassPass
0–7 HCP · nothing to show
2♣2♣ Stayman[stayman]
8+ HCP (invitational or better) · at least one 4-card major
2♦2♦ (Jacoby transfer to hearts)[jacoby-transfer]
5+ hearts
2♥2♥ (Jacoby transfer to spades)[jacoby-transfer]
5+ spades
3NT3NT
10–14 HCP · balanced · no 4-card major

overcaller

Opponent interference at this turn.

XX (penalty)
15+ HCP balanced · wants to defend 1NT doubled
2♣2♣ (overcall)
5+ card suit · 10–17 HCP · decent suit quality
2♦2♦ (overcall)
5+ card suit · 10–17 HCP · decent suit quality
2♥2♥ (overcall)
5+ card suit · 10–17 HCP · decent suit quality
2♠2♠ (overcall)
5+ card suit · 10–17 HCP · decent suit quality