Opening 1NT
with Tina McVeigh
Opening 1NT is a very helpful and specific bid. In the Standard system, it means you have 15-17 HCP and a balanced hand.
Watch the video to learn about:
- What a is a balanced hand
- What a 1NT opening bid means
- How to respond to a 1NT opening bid
After you watch the video, go ahead and try playing these lesson hands. Hints will guide you through the auctions.

Review what you've learned by answering the questions below.
Choose your opening bid.
♠KQ6 ♥AT87 ♦Q732 ♣A7
Choose your opening bid.
♠87 ♥KQ5 ♦Q983 ♣AQ84
Choose your opening bid.
♠AJ693 ♥AT3 ♦A54 ♣64
Choose your opening bid.
♠A9 ♥AJT73 ♦K76 ♣962
Choose your opening bid.
♠A9863 ♥AKQT ♦64 ♣32
Choose your opening bid.
♠K7 ♥Q87 !AQJT8 !K52
What do you respond if partner opens 1NT?
♠K76 ♥JT87 ♦Q732 ♣87
What do you respond if partner opens 1♥?
♠K76 ♥JT87 ♦Q732 ♣87
1♥ promises anywhere between 12 & 19 points. It also could be any shape. All you know is that there are at least 5 hearts.
1NT is a balanced hand with 15-17 points and is much more specific.