______ Opening bids come in 3 types: NT openings, 2, and 1-of-a-suit. In the case of 2 openings, Responder generally assumes a rather passive role, leaving the final decision up to Opener until such time as Opener passes the baton to Responder by signing off in 2NT or by rebidding an unsupported suit. In all other cases, Responder assumes the role of captain until such time as Responder relinquishes it to Opener.

______ The over-riding concern focuses on whether or not the hands have enough strength to warrant game. If the answer is "no", the Captain will sign off as soon as possible. If "yes", the Captain will likely retain that role until game is reached, and investigate the possibility of slam in the meantime. If the answer is "maybe", the Captain will usually endeavour to make a clearly invitational move and then pass the final decision on to Partner. The first question, then is always: "Are my values, added to the most that Partner can have, enough to make game?"

Responding to a 1NT Opening Bid
______ The responses to the 15-17 point 1NT are about as scientific as SAYC gets. Here are the responses for a balanced or semi-balanced responding hand:

• 5NT - Quantitative, 20-21 points, forcing 6NT, inviting 7NT.



• 4NT - Quantitative, 16-17 points, inviting 6NT.



• 3NT - To play. 11-15 points. No interest in slam.



• 2NT - Inviting 3NT. 9-10 points.



• Pass - 0-8 points, no 5+card major or 6+card minor.

______ Hands are categorized as either balanced or unbalanced. Balanced or "flat" hands come in one of three distribution types:

______ Responses with an unbalanced hand are:

Call	Meaning
4	A direct 4 is Responder's only chance to use 4 as Gerber. If you are using Gerber twice in the same year, you are either using it unwisely or playing too much bridge!
3 or 3	6+card suit, 11+ points, Game Forcing. "3-card support?"
3 or 3	6+card suit, 9-10 points, invitational.
2	Transfer to a long minor. In most versions of Standard American Opener rebids 2NT with better Diamonds, 3 with superior Clubs or equal length and strength in the minors. Responder can stop in 3-of-a-minor or rebid 3 or higher to look for a slam in an unspecified minor. Note: SAYC does not give Responder the option of bidding 2NT here to show better Diamonds. In SAYC, Opener must rebid 3 after 1NT:2.
2	5+ Spades, any point range. Once Opener rebids 2 Responder can Pass (0-8 pts.), rebid 2NT or 3 (6 Spades) with 9-11, or force game with any other rebid. 1NT:2:2:4NT is Blackwood.
2	5+ Hearts, any point range, similar to 1NT:2 (above). Note: Unlike other versions of Standard American (which play that 1NT:2:2:2 is a one round force with 5-5 or better in the majors), SAYC plays a 2 rebid as natural (4-5 in the majors) and non-forcing.
2	Stayman. Either 9+ points OR 0-8 with a 3-suiter, short in Clubs ("Psychic Stayman", when Responder will Pass Opener's response to 1NT:2). Any minor suit rebid by Responder will be game-forcing. A major suit rebid of 2 or 2 over 1NT:2:2 is NOT forcing. 1NT:2:2:2, though, is forcing. Any 4NT rebid by Stayman Responder is Blackwood.

For more on this please check out these sites:

Jacoby Transfers

Stayman

(then try the test at:)

Stayman Test

Questions Question #1a: How do we use Gerber after responding 2C, 2D or 2H to 1NT?

You cannot.

Respond 2C, 2D or 2H and then jump rebid 4C.

Question #1b: How do we make a quantitative 4NT raise after responding 2C, 2D or 2H to 1NT, then?

You cannot.

Bid 2C, then a minor, then jump to 4NT.

Question #2: What can I do with a slammish major 1-suiter?

Transfer and rebid a 3-of-a-new suit.

Jump to 3-of-the-major.

Either of the above.