Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 1

Defence to 1NTLesson by Ameeta Shah

Feb 2008

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 2

Teaser Questions

• What do you need to overcall in the 2nd seat after a 1NT opening?

• How many points?• How many cards?• Do you know what your convention

card states about this case?• Does your partner have the same

understanding ? Sure ????• Answer :- Several methods (Natural,

ASTRO, ASPRO, ASPTRO, Landy….)

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 3

Points for Defence of 1NT

• Defence to 1NT needs a pts or a good distribution else do NOT overcall

• Overcall Option 1 – 15 or more pts Double

• Overcall Option 2 - Two suited hand – 5Major–4 minor, 4 minor-5 Major, 5 Major-5

Major– ASPTRO convention

• Overcall Option 3– 13 or less pts and not two suited hand

PASS

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 4

ASPTRO Convention

The origin of ASPTRO conventional is unknown.

Combination of two conventions • ASPRO +ASTRO = ASPTRO. • Opponents open 1NT. Basic Defence:-

• 2 = hearts and another suit • 2 = spades and another suit• The two-suiter must be at least 5-4. The

major promised is known as the anchor suit.• All Artificial bids are to be ALERTED by

partner

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 5

2 Suited hands after 1NT opening by North

EAST (hand 1)

EAST (hand 2)

EAST (hand 3)

Axx AQxxx xxx

AJxxx xx AQxxx

AQxx Axx Kxxx

x KJxx xxHand 1E – 15 HCPBid 2C – anchor

Hand 2E – 14 HCPBid 2D – anchor

Hand 3 (non –vul)E – 9 HCPBid 2C – anchor

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 6

ASPTRO (overcall) Options

• 2 Clubs –at least 4 card heart + any other suit – (eg 5-4, 5-4, 4-5 but not 5-4)– 13 + pts if vulnerable – 10 + pts if non-vulnerable

• 2 Diamonds –at least 4 card spade + any other suit – (eg 5-4, 5-4, 4-5 but not 4-5)– 13 + pts if Vulnerable – 10 + pts if non-Vulnerable

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 7

ASPTRO (overcall) Options

• 5-4 Majors– Anchor suit is always the 4 card suit

• 5-5 Majors – Anchor suit is always the lower card suit (ie )

• 2 Hearts or 2 Spades– at least 6 card suit (aka 2 weak opening)– 13 + pts if vulnerable or 10 + pts if non-vulnerable

• 2NT – Unusual NT– 5-5 in minors– 13 + pts if vulnerable or 10 + pts if non-vulnerable

• 3 Clubs or 3 Diamonds– at least 6 card suit – 13 + pts if vulnerable or 10 + pts if non-vulnerable

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 8

Responses to Partners 2 ASPTRO

• 2 – No three card support in hearts

• 2 – at least 3 card of Hearts, weak hand

• 2 /3 /3– 11+ pts, no heart support, 4 cards in

the bid suit• 2NT

– 11 or 12 pts, Balanced Hand

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 9

Responses to Partners 2 ASPTRO

• 2 – No three card support in spades

• 2 – at least 3 card of spades, weak hand

• 3 /3/ 3 – 11+ pts, no spade support, 4 cards in

the bid suit• 2NT

– 11 or 12 pts, Balanced Hand

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 10

Examples of Responses to Partners 2 ASPTRO

West (hand 1)

West (hand 2) West (hand 3)

xxx xxx AJxx

Qxx Qxxx Qx

xx x Kxxx

Axxxx Axxxx QxxHand 1W-6 HCP, 2 E-Bid 5 carder Suit(eg 2 , 2 , 3 and pass if 5 carder )

Hand 2W-6 HCP, 2 E- Pass since west has shown weak hand

Hand 3W-12 HCP, 2 E- if 5 cards 4S or bid 5 cards Suit

Ameeta Shah Feb 2008, Ver 1.00 11

Examples of Responses to Partners 2 ASPTRO

West (hand 4)

West (hand 5) West (hand 6)

AJxx AJxx Kxxx

xx Qxxx x

Qxx xx Axxxx

Axxx Axx QxxHand 4W-11 HCP, 2 NTPromises 4 cards in .

Hand 5W-11 HCP, 3Inviting to gameE- Pass or 4

Hand 6W-9 HCP, 2 No heart support E- Shows 5 cards