Thursday, July 17, 2003 1:47 PM

Weak NT Defense

PITBULLS:

The debate about which is a better system : weak NT’s vrs strong NT’s will go on forever. However, quoting Gordon Campbell “people do not know how to handle weak NT’s” and therein lies their effectiveness. The opponents are taking a risk opening 1NT with those values so do not rescue them.

There are many 2 suited “toys” now that all you to describe your hand after a weak NT . There is more to it then that though – you must play the vulnerability with those bids. If the opponents are vul and you are not , bend over backwards to double as opposed to your systemic toy. If you are vul and they are not , use your toy to find your vul game and forget the double. What do you bid with this hand in the balancing after a weak 1NT ?

A	A	K	x
K	K	x
x	x
x	x
x	x

You should double with all vulnerabilities except one. If you are vul and they are not trot out your systemic bid to show the majors and then raise partner. Go for the vul game rather than the non vul set.

D.S.I.P. theory comes into play against weak & strong NT’s . You make the assumption that when partner doubles & they are running , you own the hand thru the two level. This allows you to play the best defense against weak NT’s which is partners first double is always D.S.I.P. rather then trump stack. This allows you to show “cards” and an interest in competing rather than a trump stack . This D.S.I.P. double allows the opponents to remain in trouble from both sides of the table as the original doubler can now convert for penalties ( do not rescue opponents with cards ) . If responder does have a penalty double , she makes a forcing pass & partner will double with shortness and the hand gets converted.

K	A	x	x
Q	x	x	x
J		x	x
10		x

1NT x 2♠ pass ! You can not double 2♠ initially as that shows

shortness so you pass and partner re-opens and

you know what to do.

pass X pass pass

x	A	Q	x
x	K	x	x
	x	x	x
	x	x

1NT x 2♠ x You double showing shortness and partner

converts with ♠KQJ10 ♥Qxx ♦AKxx ♣Kx !

pass pass pass

Beware the balancing spot with weak NT’s . You have the inference that partner took no initial action & that RHO usually runs out with nothing. A double in the balancing spot shows a good hand against weak NT’s because you are no longer “protecting “ partner who might have an opener. If you do double and hit partner with nothing & no long suit to bid there is the “automatic 2♣ bid” by partner. This is a signal to start running yourself and partner does not necessarily have clubs. The SOS redouble is used in conjunction with this run out , if you do not have clubs.

The double of Stayman just shows cards against weak NT and is not lead directing. The double of artificial bids after partner doubles is penalty and not shortness. In these artificial “run out “ auctions its best that all doubles be penalty so there is no misunderstanding. One of the disadvantages of weak NT’s is that they are susceptible for some pretty bad sets. Not so though , if opponents are not geared to take advantage of this. Since you outgun them pretty badly in these auctions , the lead is most often a trump.

What if they make an artificial run out ? Double is still D.S.I.P. showing cards. If you have that artificial suit , you will always have a chance to bid it later . The pass shows that suit in theory anyway so partner may play you for that suit. You still own the hand at the two level if they are running.

With the above , your arsenal is not quite complete against the annoying weak 1NT. Lebensohl from the defenders side should be standard. You may have hands that fall in the cracks between a double & a pass. You of course pass with a good hand but what if they run with the vulnerability in their favour. Play a new suit as absolutely forcing as per Lebensohl so you can grope for the best game or even slam. With distribution & a lack of values , bid 2NT Lebensohl so partner must relay to 3♣ and you can compete. 1NT-X-2♠-? ♠x ♥xxx ♦KJ10xxxx ♣xx bid 2NT Lebensohl . ♠x ♥xxx ♦AKJxxxx ♣Ax you bid 3♦ forcing a la Lebensohl inference. Still another place where Lebensohl simplifies difficult auctions. You do not need a natural 2NT as the D.S.I.P. double shows that hand ( cards ) .