1NT with two doubletons? 15 minute Q&A

[@rosemarygowans6825]

Very interesting and helpful, thank you Gavin.

[@stuart0315]

thank you so much, gavin.... you continue to help my game!

[@karenjohnson4121]

Thanks that was a really interesting Q and A.

[@ellenmadsen7308]

Absolutely enjoyed this.

[@margaretcraig6538]

Love this format ... so helpful!!!!

[@KimiiiRaikkonen]

Very awesome content 🥳

[@harikannanramadas6564]

More of these, please

[@alensai]

love content like these

[@RyanHaskett-v5n]

Gavin, if you are playing check-back Stayman would that change your opening on a 2-4-5-2 hand? Your partner would have a way to find the 4-4 heart fit on say a 5-4-2-2 response.

[@kentfurst8291]

Yeah, but if they *don't* have a 5-4-2-2, they will pass you in 1NT with a lot of 8-10 counts than can make 3NT, thinking you only have 12-14 HCP.

[@rainerherrmann7025]

"We are not trying to deceive our opponents." You are on thin ice here. You can claim you can make 3NT with 23 HCP combined and a six card minor as often than with 25 HCP and 2 balanced hands, but this is just not true. The success rate drops. There is a limit how much length can substitute for HCP at notrumps. The opponents will assume you have more defense and it is dangerous for them to come in and they will generally not look for game themselves. All this changes when your hand suddenly can have a much higher offensive to defensive ratio when you open a six card minor with the HCP strength of a weak notrump. Nevertheless the tactic may be sound, because the gain may outweigh its disadvantages. However, you should alert your 1NT opening if you believe in full disclosure.