I have had this question texted to me twice in the last couple of weeks so it must be on other people’s minds also! Compare these auctions:
Auction #1
Pass Pass Pass 1NT
and
Auction #2
1x Pass Pass 1NT
The key difference in these two auctions is that the bidder is opening the bidding in the first auction. Whereas, the bidder in the second auction is simply intervening in the opening bidders auction.
In the first auction with three passes and a 1NT opening bid, the bidder is showing a standard 15-17 balanced 1NT opening hand.
In the second auction with 1x (x = any suit), the bidder is showing (11)12-14 balanced hand.
Now to take this a step further, you will want to discuss with partner whether systems are on over the second auction. For simplicity, you can play to just ignore the opening bid and play systems on…just remember that you need more points when inviting partner to game! Whether you play systems on or off in the second auction, the key is knowing your agreement.
Let me hear your comments!
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2 responses to “Q&A: 4th Seat Position 1NT Bids”
I would think that that is backwards. In the 4th seat, chances are that everyone is in the 8-11 range. With 11 of your own, possibly with only a 4-card major, you want to enter the bidding, Forcing 15-17 will likely prevent you from bidding (at least 1bidding 1NT).
Consequently, opponents have entered the bidding (and likely have a better than average opener). Do you really want to compete with a minimum hand? You may be just opening the floodgates, allowing opener to rebid his 19-point monster.
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I believe you are talking about the second auction when you say it is backwards. There is a very strong agreement that you never want to defend a one level bid. Of course, there are exceptions. Yes. Opener may have a strong 18-19 points hand and you are walking into it. However, odds are when opener starts with one of a suit, they have the 12-14 point hand. Another possibility is that partner has an opening hand and unable to come into the auction in the direct seat because Opener’s suit is partner’s suit! The only thing we know for sure is that Right-Hand Opponent holds less than 6 points. The rest is anybody’s guess.
In 4th chair once there has been an opening bid to your left, you have an obligation to partner to keep the auction open for partner. Your side could easily have 1/2 the deck, if not more. Waiting around for 15-17 points in this position/auction leaves out too many hands with no way to compete and your side is left defending 1 of a suit.
Finally, if opener has a 19 point hand, that still leaves partner with values (since RHO has less than 5 total points. Your side still has approximately 1/2 the deck. Balancing with 1NT preempts the Opener from rebidding notrump with that dreaded 18-19 point hand and your side wins the part-score battle. If partner holds an opening hand, then your side gets to 3NT!
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