2/1, Lawrence Style
Three Notrump Opening Bid
Varies By Partnership
An opening 3NT is to play. Opener might be gambling, but usually will have eight or 9 playing tricks. Can have up to 21 HCP, or as few as 13. If doubled, responder is not supposed to pull, even if worthless. Opener may pull to his (assumed) long minor if having second thoughts. If the opponents double (for penalty), a redouble by responder is runout. Responder likely has a worthless hand with a worthless 7 card or longer suit. Opener, of course may leave it in if his nine tricks are ironclad, otherwise bids 4C and responder passes or names his long worthless suit.
Responding to the "To Play" Opening 3NT
It is assumed that the only reason responder bids over the opening 3NT bid described above is because he is interested in slam. The suit bid should be responder's cheapest ace, and promises 3 tricks. (4NT rebid by opener is signoff) A raise to 4NT promises 4 tricks. A five level bid promises 5 tricks. (If opener happens to have been gambling, he should now bid 6 of his minor.) This is a tentative thing, one does not want to get too complicated for a rare bid. Any input, partner ? For instance, can responder's three tricks all be in one suit (AKQ)?
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Opening 3 Notrump / Retropoet / Geocities / retropoet@oocities.com / revised June, 1998