Rebidding 1NT

Rebidding in No Trumps

If you have a balanced hand with more that 14 points then you cannot open 1NT. We reserve 2NT for very strong hands. So how do we bid ones in between?

The answer is to open 1 of a suit and then rebid in no trumps.

Levels = Points

If you open 1 of a suit and then rebid no trumps then you are showing a balanced hand with the following points –

  • Rebid 1NT = 15/16 points
  • Rebid 2NT = 17/18 points
  • Rebid 3 NT = 19 points

On this hand North has a balanced hand but more than 15 points so they open 1♦ with the intention of rebidding in NT.

South shows their 4 card spade suit. Nothing has happened to disrupt North’s plans so they rebid 2NT to show a balanced 17/18 points.

Which Suit To Open

If you have a balanced hand with 15+ points then you will need to choose a suit to open.

Priority 1 – If you have a 5 card minor open that suit.

Priority 2 – If you have a 4 card major open that suit. If you have 2 four card majors then open 1 heart.

Priority 3 – If you have 2 four card minors open 1 club.

Priority 4 – If you only have 1 four card suit then open that.

Missing Your Bid

Sometimes you will open 1 of a suit with the intention of rebidding 1NT to show 15/16 points. However, if partner responds at the 2 level you will be unable to complete your plan.

In this case you just have to rebid NT at the lowest possible level, or pass.

If you have been forced to rebid 2NT then partner should be a bit more forgiving on the point range.

Supporting Partners Suit

If you open 1 of a suit with the intention of rebidding in NT, but partner bids a 4 card major for which you have 4 card support then cancel your plans.

If this happens then support partner to the level appropriate to your points. 

If partner responds at the 1 level they are showing at least 6 points. So you need 17 or 18 to invite to game by biddng at the 3 level, and 19 points to bid straight to game yourself.

If partner responds at the 2 level then they are showing at least 10 points. This means you need 13 or 14 points to bid invitationally at the 3 level., and 15 points to go straight to game.