The 1NT opening
1NT is the most precise opening bid: in one call it tells your partner how strong your hand is, and roughly what shape it is.
When it is used
You open 1NT with a balanced hand in a set range of high card points. Because the opening describes your hand so completely, partner can do the arithmetic and steer to the right contract.
In each system
- ACOL
- Open 1NT with 12 to 14 high card points and a balanced hand: 4‑3‑3‑3, 4‑4‑3‑2 or 5‑3‑3‑2. A five-card major is no bar unless it is very good, two of the ace, king and queen, which opens the suit instead. This is the weak no‑trump.
- Strong No‑Trump and 5‑card majors
- Open 1NT with 15 to 17 high card points and a balanced hand: 4‑3‑3‑3, 4‑4‑3‑2 or 5‑3‑3‑2, and the five-card suit may be a major. Open the major instead when you hold four cards in another suit: that suit is your rebid.
An example in ACOL
You hold this hand.
- ♠ K J 6
- ♥ K Q 5
- ♦ Q 9 4 2
- ♣ K 7 3
Open 1NT: 14 points, the top of the 12 to 14 range, balanced, with no five-card suit at all.
Where we teach it
Taught in the Beginner course, in the 1NT Openings and Responses topic, in both systems, ACOL and 5‑card majors.
Learn it properly
Bridge Unlocked teaches the game step by step, with real hands to play. Bridge Basics is free.