(Down - Up -
Top)
BP 1.2 - The Power 1NT Opening
(17-20 pts)
The Power 1NT is one of the crucial 5 elements of Ron Klinger's
Power System, but can be used by itself and
fit into any other bidding system.
The Power 1NT opening shows 17-20
points (including a possible length point) and a balanced hand which
may include a 5-card major. The diagram below shows how it compares
with other 1NT points ranges.
Considering the various problems with other 1NT points ranges as listed
in Chapter 35.1, the following points can be made
:
- Enemy interference
It is a brave (if not reckless) Opponent indeed, who dares to make a
Take-out double or Overcall over such a powerful opening, as it is
likely to have dire consequences.
Bidding after a Power 1NT Opening
will therefore proceed without any Enemy interference in 95% of all
cases.
- Being left stranded in 1♣ or
1♦ with 19-20 points
When Partner passes with less than 5 points (and a hand not suitable
for a "Rescue bid") the 1NT contract will in the vast majority of cases
be much better than being left stranded in 1♣ or 1♦.
In all other cases, when Partner
does make a response bid, reaching the right contract is easy (and
compatible with any other method) in view of the wide range of
response options available.
- Missing a major suit part-score contract
Because Partner must respond with at least 5 or
6 points, it is safe to include a 5-card major in the Power 1NT hand
with 17-20 pts, as missing a superior part-score contract in a
major trump suit is now impossible.
The diagram below shows the Power 1NT opening within the context
of all other balanced hand opening bids in the system.
When using the Multi-2♦ opening bid, balanced hands with
21-22 points can be included as one of the options. (Also included in
the Jazclass recommended version are 4441 hands with 18 HCP+ and/or 4
losers.)
In such case the 2NT Opening bid can be used for
other purposes, such as a weak 2-suited hand (see RCO 2s).
After a Game force 2♣ Opening
bid Opener's rebid of 2NT shows a balanced hand with 23-24 points,
while a rebid of 3NT shows a balanced 25+ points hand.
(Down - Up -
Top)
BP 1.3 - Power 1NT modified Stayman responses
The Power 1NT opening can stand entirely on its own and can be
used within any simple NT bidding arrangement. The great thing is
that your Partner must respond with 6 points or more, no matter
what.
Do not include 5-card major suits in the 1NT
opening. You can use the system I recommend as shown
below. It uses a slightly modified
version
of the Stayman Convention, where traditional Stayman replies made at the 2-
level show 17-18 points, and mirror replies at the 3-level show 19-20 points.
(Note : Balanced hands with 5332 shape and a 5 card
minor can be included in the 1NT opening.)
After Opener's rebid of 2NT or 3♣ (showing both majors), the Responder (if he does hold a 4-card major) can use transfers : bidding 3♦
as transfer to 3♥, or bidding 3♥ as transfer to 3♠.
Here follow two examples.
Ex. 1
| Opener (W)
♠ - A K
♥ - K J 8 5
♦ - A 9 5 3
♣ - Q 9 2
|
| Responder (E)
♠ - Q 8 4 2
♥ - A 9 7 3
♦ - 8 7 4
♣ - 8 6
|
| Comment
Opener's 2♥ shows a 4-card major and
17-18 pts. Responder passes
with only 6 HCP.
|
|
Bidding : (W) 1NT -
2♣ - 2♥ - Pass
|
Ex. 2
| Opener (W)
♠ - A 3
♥ - K J 4
♦ - A Q 10 5
♣ - K Q 9 7
|
| Responder (E)
♠ - 9 7 4 2
♥ - A Q 10 7
♦ - K 9 7
♣ - 6 2
|
| Comment
Opener's reply of 3♦ shows a maximum 19-20 points
without a 4-card major. Responder signs off with 3NT.
|
|
Bidding : (W) 1NT -
2♣ - 3♦ - 3NT - Pass
|
(Down - Up -
Top)
BP 1.4 - Transfer responses to Power
1NT
Responder hands with a 5+card suit are not suitable for the Stayman enquiry route. Most of them are dealt with via a suit transfer.
- With weak unbalanced hands go the Transfer route and pass
after Opener made his transfer bid.
- With 6-11 points and a 5+card suit also go the
Transfer route, bid to Game after Opener's response.
- With 12-14 points and a 6+card suit bid 2♣ (Extended Stayman).
If Opener is
minimum (17-18) proceed to Game, if Opener is maximum proceed to Slam.
- With 15+ points and a 6+card suit, bid your suit
directly at the 3-level. This shows interest in Slam even
if Opener is minimum.
When the 1NT Opener is maximum (19-20 pts), has 3+card support for
Responder's major suit and a doubleton, he makes a super accept, by bidding his transfer suit at the 3-
level. For example : 1NT - 2♦ - 3♥
Ex. 5
| Opener (W)
♠ - A K
♥ - K 8
♦ - A 9 5 3
♣ - Q J 9 7
|
| Responder (E)
♠ - Q 8 4
♥ - A J 9 7 3
♦ - 8 7 4
♣ - 8 6
|
| Comment
After Opener's transfer Responder passes
having only 7 HCP.
|
|
Bidding : (W) 1NT -
2♦ - 2♥ - Pass
|
Ex. 6
| Opener (W)
♠ - K Q 3
♥ - K J 9 7
♦ - A Q 10 5
♣ - A 7
|
| Responder (E)
♠ - A 8 7 4 2
♥ - A Q 10
♦ - K 9 7
♣ - 6 2
|
| Comment
Opener's super-accept of 3♠ shows a maximum 19-20 points,
3 hearts and a doubleton. Responder confidently bids to Slam.
|
|
Bidding : (W) 1NT -
2♥ - 3♠ - 6♠ - Pass
|
- Transfers have two advantages :
- The weaker hand is the exposed Dummy when the transfered suit does become the trump suit
- The Opener (forced to do the transfer bid) is so to say "put on hold", while the Responder can describe his hand with two bids.