Chilli uses a restricted weak no-trump, showing a balanced or semi-balanced (5422 or 6322) hand with 12 to 15 points and no major suit. The rule of twenty is equally valid here: it is sensible to pass 4333 twelve counts.
There are several reasons for restricting 1NT to hands with no major:
- it allows a simple, systemic set of responses – no Stayman, no transfers etc
- it maintains the integrity of the system in that bidding past 1
and 1
denies the ability to bid either major - opening with the major suit (or opening an artificial one of a minor and following up with the major) allows more scope for using the technology provided for major suit fits such as mini-splinters.
Responses to 1NT are entirely systemic. Two-level suit responses are just as opposite one of a major – unlimited, at least 11 points. Opener rebids systemically, but will give preference to rebidding no-trumps if suitable, rather than necessarily bidding out three-card majors. A 2NT response to 1NT is natural and invitational. A three of a suit response is a long-suit jump, showing a limited single-suited hand with eight to ten points. It can be based on a suit of only six cards as the opening guarantees a doubleton in every suit.
With a weak hand opposite 1NT, we just pass initially.