07 / 1NT OPEN [07.26.2007] COMMENT: Because 1NT openings are narrowly defined, the bidding may be more accurate and shorter. The popular range for Standard Notrump [15-17 HC] is still preferred. OMEGA provides a complete "menu" of bidding options for responder to handle almost all hands and strengths. The choice to open 1NT or a 5-card MAJOR usually follows these guidelines: With 15 HC -or- a "weak 16 HC", better results are usually obtained with a 1NT Open. With a "strong 16 HC" -or- 17 HC, better results are usually obtained with a 1MAJOR opening - and raise 1NT response. REQUIREMENTS 15-17 HC 5-Card MAJOR allowed [15 HC -or- "WEAK 16 HC"] NOT 5/4 MAJORS 1st RESPONSE 2C = Stayman -or- Balanced Raise; Does NOT guarantee 4-Card MAJOR 2D = H Transfer; 5+ H 2H = S Transfer; 5+ S 2S = mss -or- WEAK D -or- Both minors (Weak -or- Forcing) 2NT = (C "RELAY"; WEAK C) -or- (GOOD 3-Suiter; NO 5-Card MAJOR) 3m = 6-Cards; 2-of-3-top HONORS; 7-8 HC 3M = M SPLINTER; (3-1)-(5-4); Game Forcing 3NT = Standard 4C = 14-30; NO Key Suit 4D = H Transfer; 6+ H 4H = S Transfer; 6+ S 4S NOT USED 4NT = Natural Slam Invitation STAYMAN SEQUENCES AFTER 2C 2D = NO 4-Card MAJOR P (RARE) = FINAL 2H = WEAK; 4+ Cards in each MAJOR (Pass -or- Correct) 2S = Invitational; 5 S with 4 H 2NT = Invitational; MAY have 5 H and 4 S; NO 4-Card MAJOR promised P = FINAL 3H = Maximum; ONLY 3 H; FORCING 3NT = Maximum; ONLY 2 H 3minor = Natural; FORCING 3M = Smolen; 4-Cards in BID MAJOR; 5-Cards in Other MAJOR 3NT = FINAL; At least ONE 4-Card MAJOR 4C = 14-30; NO Key Suit 4D = "DELAYED" H Transfer; 6 H and 4 S 4H = "DELAYED" S Transfer; 6 S and 4 H 4NT = Invitational; At least ONE 4-Card MAJOR 2M (Up-The-Line) = 4-Cards ["MAY" elect to bid S first with BOTH MAJORS and MAXIMUM] P = FINAL 2S (Over 2H) = 4 S; Less than 4 H; Invitational 2NT = Invitational; Less than 4 S; May have 4 H Over 2 S 3minor = Natural; FORCING 3Same MAJOR = Invitational 3Other MAJOR = UnDisclosed Splinter; Cheapest ?ASKS? 3NT = FINAL; OTHER 4-Card MAJOR 4C = 14-30; Bid MAJOR = Key Suit 4Same MAJOR = FINAL 4NT = Invitational; OTHER 4-Card MAJOR "MAXI-FIT" SEQUENCES AFTER JACOBY TRANSFER 2"Transfer MAJOR" = Standard 2NT = Maximum; Balanced; NO Weak XX; USUALLY 4 Trumps -or- 3 GOOD Trumps 3New Suit = Maximum, Weak XX in New Suit; 4 Trumps 3"Transfer MAJOR" = Maximum, Weak XX in NEXT LOWER Suit; 4 Trumps SPECIAL SEQUENCES AFTER JACOBY TRANSFER (To NEXT MAJOR) 2S after Transfer to 2H = 5/5 MAJORS; Invitational 3Same MAJOR = Invitational; 6-Cards in MAJOR 3H after Transfer to 2S = 5/5 MAJORS; FORCING 3NT = FINAL; Choice of NT or 4MAJOR Jump Shift (INCLUDING 4C) = Splinter; 6-Cards in MAJOR; Slam Interest 4Same MAJOR = Slam Invitation; 6+ Cards in MAJOR; NO Splinter 4NT = Natural Slam Invitation; Only 5-Cards in MAJOR 2S = MINOR SUIT STAYMAN -or- OTHERS 2NT = NO 4-or-5-Card minor 3C = Weak; Both minors; Pass -or- Correct 3D = FINAL 3H = SPLINTER; 5/5 minors; Game Forcing 3S = SPLINTER; 5/5 minors; Game Forcing 3NT = 2-2-(5/4); FINAL 4NT = 2-2-(5/4); Slam Invitational 3m = 4-5 Cards in minor P-or-3D = FINAL 3H = SPLINTER; 5/5 minors; Game Forcing 3S = SPLINTER; 5/5 minors; Game Forcing 3NT = 2-2-(5/4); FINAL 4C = 14-30; minor = Key Suit 4NT = 2-2-(5/4); Slam Invitational 2NT = C TRANSFER (WEAK) -or- (GOOD 3-Suiter; NO 5-Card MAJOR) - Rebids after 3C => P = FINAL 3D = SPLINTER; 4-4-1-4 -or- 4-4-0-5 3H = SPLINTER; 4-1-4-4 -or- 4-0-(5/4) 3S = SPLINTER; 1-4-4-4 -or- 0-4-(5/4) 3NT = C SPLINTER; 4-4-4-1 -or- 4-4-5-0 4C = C SPLINTER; STRONG Slam Interest; 4-4-4-1 -or- 4-4-5-0 3M (Splinter) SEQUENCES 3NT = FINAL; SOLID Stopper in Responder's Splinter 4minor = 4+ minor; minimum 4Other MAJOR = 5-Card MAJOR -or- Strong 4-Card MAJOR 4Splinter = 4-5 Card minor; SLAM Interest 5minor = 4+ minor; FINAL; NO Slam Interest SEQUENCES AFTER TEXAS TRANSFER TO NEXT MAJOR P = FINAL 4NT = 14-30; (MAJOR = Key Suit) COMMENT: Occasionally responder will want/need to ask for Aces after Opener's 1st response to Stayman or Transfer. OMEGA agrees that 4C is Gerber after 1st or Last NT. This agreement is RESTRICTED to an immediate 4C response -or- 4C after Opener's response to Stayman. A new suit jump after Jacoby Transfer [including 4C] will ALWAYS be a SPLINTER. 4NT after an initial Jacoby Transfer will always be natural [having indicated a 5-Card MAJOR]. Only a 6-Card MAJOR qualifies for a transfer followed by an immediate Ace Asking rebid. Because a 6-Card suit is required, this sequence will ALWAYS begin with Texas Transfer [4-Level] followed by 4NT [Blackwood]. NO EXCEPTIONS.