Apart from the 1
response, continuations after 1
are systemic, following all the rules such as neutral suit choice and the 1NT barrier. The nominal strength of 1 is 16 points, so:
| 1 | artificial, limiting, fewer than 4 points |
1 and 1 | unlimited, at least 4 points |
| 1NT | 4 to 6 points, no major |
| 2 and 2 | unlimited, at least 7 points, no major |
| 2 and 2 | single-suiter, six-card suit, 4 to 6 points |
| 2NT | minor two-suiter, 4 to 6 points |
| 3suit | single-suiter, seven-card suit, 4 to 6 points |
Responses from 2 up disturb the auction.
After an unlimited 1 or 1 response, a 1NT rebid further limits opener to 16 to 18 points; with 19 or more, the opener can go on to the two level.
Opposite a 1 response, opener's rebid of 1NT can be made on any balanced hand, or he can rebid at the two level without showing extra strength, as both hands are limited.
| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 876532 | 1 | pass | |||
| 1063 | 1 | pass | 1NT | pass | |
| J7 | ? | ||||
| 108 |
. This doesn't show any extra strength, and it would be cruel to leave partner to labour in a hopeless 1NT. Also, it sounds like the rest of the points are split evenly between North and South, so it will pay to stop them protecting at the two level.