1NT Opening (16-19) : 1

NT 1 Bidding : 1NT - 2♣ - 3♠* - 4♠ - Pass
Opener ♠ K Q 8 5 ♥ A 9 7 ♦ K Q 9 3 ♣ A 4		Responder ♠ A 9 6 3 ♥ J 4 ♦ 8 6 2 ♣ Q 8 7 5
* With Modified Stayman it is easy to distinguish between a minimum (16-17) and a maximum hand (18-19) like here. With a minimum reply at the 2-level as normal, with a maximum reply at the 3-level.
NT 2 Bidding : 1NT - 2♣ - 2♦ - 2NT - Pass
Opener ♠ J 10 4 ♥ K Q 6 ♦ A J 7 3 ♣ A J 5		Responder ♠ K Q 8 3 ♥ 9 7 4 ♦ Q 5 ♣ 10 9 6 2
Responder should bid 2♣ with 7+HCP, or a good 6HCP hand including an A or K plus a doubleton. Here Opener shows a minimum hand without a 4-card major suit. Responder signs off in 2NT. This is a final bid, not invitational !
NT 3 Bidding : 1NT - 2♥ - 3♠* - 4♠ - Pass
Opener ♠ A Q 8 ♥ 7 4 ♦ K Q J 7 3 ♣ A K 5		Responder ♠ J 10 7 6 4 ♥ A 8 5 ♦ 10 4 2 ♣ 8 6
* Normal the Opener would transfer to 2♠. But having strong trump support plus a maximum hand he transfers one level higher : 3♠, a "super-accept".
NT 4 Bidding : 1NT - 2♣ - 2♥ - Pass
Opener ♠ K Q 9 ♥ Q J 10 6 ♦ A K 2 ♣ J 8 5		Responder ♠ 8 6 ♥ K 9 5 3 ♦ Q 9 4 3 ♣ Q 9 7
With Modified Stayman Opener shows his 4-card major plus his hand strength all in one bid. Here Responder can confidently Pass after Opener's 2♥ reply which shows a minimum hand (16-17).
© 2013 Michael Furstner