Natural (1NT)
Good, Better, Best recommends using conventional double over a strong notrump. We consider a natural notrump opening strong if at least half of the hands contain 15+ HCP. For instance, 14–16 is considered strong but 13–15 is not.
Over strong notrump
We play Woolsey, Multi-Landy with a conventional double, in all seats.
| (1NT) | STR, usually 15+ |
|---|---|
| X! | CONST, 5+♦♣, usually 4+♠♥ |
| 2♣! | UNBAL PRE, 4+♠, 4+♥, usually (54)(xx) |
| 2♦! | PRE, 6+♠♥ |
| 2♥! | PRE, 5+♥, 4+♦♣ |
| 2♠! | PRE, 5+♠, 4+♦♣ |
| 2NT! | UNT, 5+♦, 5+♣ |
| (1NT) X- | CONST, 5+♦♣, usually 4+♠♥ |
|---|---|
| 2♣! | P/C |
| 2♦! | Ask for the major suit |
The other overcalls already correspond to preemptive openings in this book.
- (1NT) 2♣: Ekren 2♣
- (1NT) 2♦: Multi 2♦
- (1NT) 2M: Muiderberg
- (1NT) 2NT: Unusual notrump opening
Over weak notrump
We play plain Landy against a weak notrump. This simple defense undermines their systems on approach over (1NT) 2♣. Meanwhile, we still threat to stop in our natural 2♦.
| (1NT) | WEAK, usually 12–14 |
|---|---|
| X | PEN, 14+ |
| 2♣! | UNBAL, 4+♠, 4+♥, usually (54)(xx) |
By passed hand, we play the defense against a strong notrump.