Responding to 1NT

Playing matchpoints. You are not vulnerable and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠K87
♥KJ9
♦KJ93
♣AT6

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1NT. You play that as 15 to 17 HCP. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

3NT

This tells Partner you have 10 to 15 HCP (High Card Points) and no four plus card major. Which describes your hand perfectly.

You DO have a VERY nice hand but Partner has 17 HCP AT MOST. Together you are off at least 8 and maybe 10 HCP. Not enough for a slam.

If you do bid 4NT to invite slam, Partner will accept. They have 17 HCP and a five card suit! Extras!

However, you are off one Ace and two Queen's. For Partner to make this slam they need to guess who has the Queen of Diamonds and also the Queen of Clubs! If they even guess one of the Queen's wrong they go down.