Notrump Opening Bids

Unlike opening bids in a suit, notrump opening bids have clearly marked upper and lower limits in strength and distribution.

Distributional Limits

Notrump openers are confined to three distributions, 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2, and 5-3-3-2. Of all the distributions, these three combined occur more often than all the rest put together, so it's important that you handle them accurately.

If you open one of a suit and rebid notrump, it's very easy for your partner to guide the bidding to the correct contract with natural forcing bids. But when you open 1NT or higher, you don't have the fine tools to properly direct the auction, simply from lack of space. Limiting strength and distribution helps solve the problem.

The Notrump Ranges

Starting at the top, here are the ranges for notrump openers and rebids:

• 25-27 points - open 3NT
• 22-24 points - open 2NT
• 19-21 points - open 1 of a suit, rebid notrump with a skip, for example, 1 Club - 1 Spade - 2NT
• 16-18 points - open 1NT
• 13-15 points - open 1 of a suit, rebid notrump at he minimum level, for example, 1 Club - 1 Spade - 1NT

In the last case, a rebid of 1NT does not necessarily promise balanced distribution. It simply denies the ability to go past 1NT safely. You would bid the same way with either of these:

• J K84 AQ97 K8652
• Q85 Q82 J96 AKJ8

The responder can clarify your holding with a forcing bid, if necessary.