Cappelletti over 1NT — part 2

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Bridge players like to compete over an opponent’s opening strong 1NT bid when they hold a shapely hand. One effective method is known as Cappelletti (also called Hamilton). How do we act as responder after partner interferes?

Review of how Cappelletti works

Here is a review of what partner’s bids mean when she intervenes. Double shows a good hand, either a very strong balanced hand or (better) a hand with a running suit that can be used to defeat 1NT; 2♣ shows any one suit; 2♦ shows both majors; 2♥ shows hearts and a minor suit; 2♠ shows spades and a minor suit, and 2NT shows both minors.
Responding after partner bids If partner bids 2♣ showing a one-suited hand, you normally bid 2♦ so partner can name her suit or pass (if she has diamonds). An exception is that you may name your own decent six-card major. If your opponent doubles the 2♣ bid, a redouble by you shows 7 or more high-card points and support for any suit partner wants to name.♥ Q 7 4 2
♦ Q 10 6 
♣ K 5 4

ANSWER
This one is easy. Bid 2♦, which allows partner to pass or name her suit.
Partner bids 2♣ and you have
♠ 8 6 2
♥ A Q 10 7 4 3
♦ 4 
♣ J 10 4
ANSWER
Bid 2♥. You have a good suit and are willing to play opposite shortness. You’ve also helped partner if she is on opening lead.
Partner bids 2♣ and you have
♠ 8 6 2
♥ J 8 7 4 3 2
♦ 4 
♣ J 10 4
ANSWER
Bid 2♦. Do not bid 2♥ with a bad suit and a bad hand.
Partner bids 2♣ and your righthand opponent doubles. What do you call with
♠ K 8 3
♥ Q 7 4 2
♦ Q 10 6 
♣ K 5 4
ANSWER
Redouble. This says you have at least 7 HCP and support for your partner’s suit. She is invited to compete.
Partner bids 2♠. What would you call with
♠ 8 4
♥ 6 3
♦ K J 8 4 2
♣ K J 4 2
ANSWER
Bid 2NT, which asks partner to name her better minor. You don’t like spades, but you are happy to play in clubs or diamonds.
Partner bids 2♠. What would you call with
♠ 9 4
♥ K Q J 7 4
♦ J 8 6
♣ K 9 2
ANSWER
Pass. Partner has at least five spades. It’s not advisable to bid 2NT to ask for her minor. Your fit might not be much better and you are raising the bidding to the three level. In any event, you have some help for partner, so pass and hope for the best.

Know what you’re playing

If you and your partner agree to play Cappelletti, you may wish to discuss it in more detail.
We are trying to interfere with the opponents. What do we do if they turn the tables and they interfere with us?
Here’s an example. Partner bids 2♣ over 1NT and your right-hand opponent bids 2♦. What is a double by you? Does that mean you can set them, or does it ask partner to name her suit? What is 2♥ by you? Is that pass or correct or does it show hearts?
If partner doubles 1NT and I have a weak hand, what should I do?
These are some examples of situations that merit further discussion.
To read the full series in PDF format, click here.