I was asked recently what is the best opening notrump range and if I was given a choice would I play a weak notrump.  The answer is no and here is why.  When you open the bidding with 1NT holding 12-14 HCP, it is far more often than not that the 12 and 13 point openers ultimately get doubled for penalties and go for more than any partscore or game bonus may award.  The up side is that the weak notrump does “interupt” the weaker player because they have usually never discussed what they play over that type of notrump range.  However, as you move up the ranks and begin to face off with the more experienced players, they are licking their chops to play against your weak notrump ~ especially in imp (team) events.

Furthermore, whenever I am asked whether I would play a certain convention or not, I usually think about what I have seen as Non-Playing Captain over the last 15 years and the frequency of said convention.  My general rule is if the experts don’t play it, then I don’t play it.  I used to be able to name one american pair that played a 1NT opening bid as weak and they have since broken up as a partnership…perhaps too many penalty doubles by their opponents? LOL.

Having said all of this about the weak notrump, there are several strong notrump ranges making their presence known on top player’s convention cards: 15-17, 14+-17 and 14-16.  Most experts are moving to the 14-16 1NT opening bid.  If you want to try this out, then your notrump structure just moves down one point as follows:

1X   1Y
1NT     = 11-13

1NT     = 14-16

1X  1Y
2NT     = 17-18

2NT     = 19-20

2C  2D
2NT     = 21-23

3NT or Kokish = 24-25

If you want to stick with a more traditional notrump bidding ladder, then play 14+-17 and the rest of your ranges stay the same. When you hold a 14 HCP balanced hand with a five-card suit, then open 1NT.

Then you have the 15-17 1NT opener which very common among standard american and 2/1 systems. If you are still playing 16-18 1NT openers, it is time to move into the 21st century!

Visit Play Better Bridge for videos, live webinars and bundles.

Take your game to the next level with a Power Bridge Retreat!

Take a look at PBB’s YOUTUBE Channel for clips of Donna’s Lesson Videos.