Balanced Hands: No Trump Ranges - Openings and Rebids

There are three types of balanced hand shapes: 4333, 4432 & 5332. All other hand types are therefore unbalanced.

The following are what to open & rebid with the above balanced hand types:-

a) 1NT = 12-14

b) 1suit - 1 new suit eg. 1H - 1S

    1NT = 15-16 (15-17)

    2NT = 17-18 (18-19)

    3NT = 19

c) 1suit - 2 new suit eg. 1H - 2C

    2NT = 15-17
 
    3NT = 18-19

d) 2NT = 20-22

e) 2C - 2D/H/S
   
    2NT = 23-24

    3NT = 25-26

The following are responders bids and rebids.

1C/D/H/S - 1N = 6-9. 		NB: Responding 1NT denies a higher ranking suit.
				        eg. 1D - 1N denies H`s & S`s.

1C - 1D - 1H - 1N = 6-9 (Fourth suit “stopped”)

1C/D/H/S - 2N = 10-12 (not a recommended bid)

1H - 1S - 2C - 2N = 10-12 (Fourth suit stopped)

1C/D/H/S - 3NT = 13-15 (again not recommended)

1H - 1S - 2C - 3N = 13-15 (Fourth suit stopped)

In a nut shell:-

1- The auction is based around finding a fit, preferably in the majors. So it is incumbent to bid a major suit at the one level if we have one. This is the priority, NOT the point count.

2. The responses are 1N = 6-9, 2NT 10-12, 3NT 13-15. The responses confer the same point count even if it is announced at the second or even third round of responding.

3. To bid NT, the fourth, unbid suit, has to be covered (stopped).