When your right-hand opponent opens 1NT, your chances of declaring a game drop considerably. In notrump, it is practically out of the question: with 15 or 16 points already located in the opponent’s hand, you will never have the values you need. You can, however, hope to make high contracts when you hold good distribution and find a fit.
This observation sets the framework for your overcalls:
- Overcalls over a 1NT opening are always based on good distribution.
- With a balanced hand, even a strong one, you should pass.
Your hand is unbalanced either when you hold a long suit or when you have a two-suiter. It becomes even more attractive for overcalling if, alongside your long suit(s), you also have a short suit (a singleton or a void). That short suit gives you a chance to “cancel out” your opponent’s high-card strength: if he holds honors in the suit where you are short, you will ruff them!
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With 16-17 points I prefer to X 1NT. If it makes no big deal and coming on with a 2 suiter isn’t without risk.
Partner is there if they XX and a penalty X of 1NT will gain in the long run. So don’t give up a juicy penalty X in exchange for a two suited guess.
Maybe I am aggressive but I will overall 1NT with any 6 card suit any vulnerability. You don’t get 6 card suits very often so don’t waste the chance to put pressure on the opponents. Take away their toys stayman and transfers. You have one chance to show a 6 card suit especially spades so bid and sit back and let them unravel the confusion.
Don’t let suit quality stop you