Sandwich NT

Rev: May 31, 2000

Back to Conventions Back to Bridge Home

Purpose is to show a weak two-suited hand after both opponents have bid two suits. You bid NT in the "sandwich" seat [ 1D Pass 1H 1NT ]. With strength and shape make a Takeout Double instead.

	Your NT overcall is Sandwich NT and shows with the two unbid suits. Let partner choose a suit if your side is to preempt or sacrifice.
	If your hand is strong with defensive strength make a Takeout Double instead of bidding NT thereby informing partner that you have shape and strength. If you make a Takeout Double and then bid NT you are showing a balanced, true notrump-type hand with 17 - 19 HCP with at least both opponent's suits stopped.

Requirements:

	Weakness (less than a solid opener, usually less than 13 HCP).
	No defensive strength
	At least 5 - 5 shape.
	Opponents must have bid two suits, not only one.
	May be bid by a passed or unpassed hand.
	May be bid at the one- or two-level.
	If partner makes a responsive notrump bid of any level, he is asking you to pick the suit.

Examples:

	[ 1D Pass 1H 1NT ..... shows Clubs and Spades with shape but not strength.
	[ 1D Pass 1H Dbl ..... shows Clubs and Spades with shape and strength.
	[ Pass 1D Pass 1S ] : [ 1NT ..... shows Diamonds and Hearts with shape but not strength.
	[ Pass 1S Pass 2C Pass ] : [ 2NT ..... shows Diamonds and Hearts with shape but not strength.