DONT

Rev: October 18, 1998

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DONT stands for Disturbing the Opponents' No-Trump, and it is used (surprise, surprise) when the opponents open 1NT. Normally used in the direct and indirect seat. Some prefer to only use in the direct seat. Best to use DONT against strong 1NT openings and Cappalletti against weak 1NT openers because Cappalletti allows a double for penalty.

My partners and I have the understanding that DONT is invoked only in the direct seat by an unpassed hand; otherwise a suit bid is natural.

Here is the DONT scheme:

Double = A one-suited hand

2C         = Clubs and a higher suit

2D         = Diamonds and a higher suit

2H         = Hearts and a higher suit (spades)

2S         = Natural, weaker than doubling and then bidding 2S

Two-suited bids show at least 5-4 (one way or the other) and at least 8 points (slightly more or less depending on vulnerability and shape). Because DONT gives up the penalty double, most people prefer to use DONT over the strong 1NT rather than the weak 1NT, which you will want to double for penalties much more often.

When Partner Doubles :

When partner doubles, showing a one-suited hand, you must bid 2C , which is completely artificial and asks partner to show his suit. If it is clubs, he will pass your 2C bid. If it is diamonds, he will bid 2D . If it is hearts, he will bid 2H   and if it is spades, he will bid 2S . If you have a super-duper suit of your own, you may judge to bypass the 2 C relay. For example:  AKT9872  32  97  T2.... Bid 2S over partner’s 2C.

When partner doubles and you have a good, balanced hand (at least 14 HCP), you are allowed to pass the double for penalties.

When Partner Bids Two of a Suit :

When partner bids 2C , you can pass with three-card support or better, or you can bid 2D , the cheapest step response. 2D says, "Partner, I don't have club support for you, so please show your second suit. If it is diamonds, pass. If it is hearts or spades, please bid 2H or 2S , respectively."

The same applies if partner bids 2D . If you do not have diamond support, you may bid 2H to ask partner to pass with hearts, or to bid 2 with spades.

When partner overcalls 2H , showing the majors, you can either pass or correct to 2S .

When partner bids 2C, 2D, 2H or 2S and you have a good hand (at least 14 HCP), you may bid 2NT, which is forcing and asking for clarification.

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