23rd March 2026
Opening 1NT with a 5 card major. (Revisited)
This week we once again had an example of a balanced hand with a 5 card major. Board 2 did the duty for us.
East kicks off the bidding and (if playing a weak no trump) has to decide between 1S and 1NT.
In favour of 1S is that its a nice suit giving an comfortable rebid of 2S if partner changes the suit.
Downside of 2S is that the hand is an 8 loser hand and all partner will know with the rebid is that E has an opening hand with at least 5 spades.
In favour of 1NT is that the hand is balanced, has 12-14 points and partner will have a good system to continue. .
Also partner knows that there are at least two of each suit so if the opposition overcall it is easier to know what action to take if partner has opened 1NT rather than 1S
Against 1NT is that the 5 card spade suit may get lost in the auction.
Lets see how the bidding might go. First with a spade opening.
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N
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E
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S
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W
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1S
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Pass (1)
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2C (2)
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Pass
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2S
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Pass
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? (3)
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(1) East may overcall 2H here (not recommended) and W will not be able to doub;e for penalties as he does not yet know his partners strength or shape and adouble here is not ususally played for penalties.
(2) The old saying of dont hide a 4 card major as repsonder doesnt apply here as you are storng enough for a second bid and the club suit is so good you want it in the auction. (If E has 4H he will probably bid them enxt)
(3) Now W has a dilemma. Bid a number of clubs (Best is 5C) or punt 3NT, not a gaurantee make if E had a void in clubs.
Now lets try opening 1NT.
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N
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E
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S
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W
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1NT
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Pass (4)
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2C (5)
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Pass
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2S (6)
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Pass
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3NT
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(4) S may still chance 2H but this is much more risky as W knows much more about Easts hand and can double for penalties if that's the partnership agreement.
If N/S play in 2HX then after the dust has settled they may find that they are two or more off for a bottom.
(5) Lots of options for W if S passes. There could be a slam on but its tricky to bid with the void. Best is probably stayman to look for the heart fit.
(6) Showing 4 spades (Yes I know he has five!)
(7) Knowing partner has the spades covered and is holding at least 2 clubs W can comfortably bid 3NT. If E had replied 2D
denying a 4 card major, (therefore only holding two or three spades then it may be safer to try 5C.
The traveller shows that only 5 pairs bid 3NT which turns out to be a better contract then 5C. 4 pairs failed to reach game in clubs although one lucky W was doubled in 5C for a top.
It should be noted that a club slam can be made double dummy but it relies on the KD and the AH being in the right spot and its very hard to bid no matter what your partner opens.
Tip of the week.
Decide with partner what you are going to do with a 5 card major in a balanced hand within your opening no trump range.
The analysis is my own opinion and you may well disagree. Always make sure you know your own system before you play.
Mark Rixon
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