♣  ♥  ♠  ♦

BETA's 1NT 'Multi' Overcall

RHO has opened 1C  strong 16+.  ONLY the TRAP convention should be used in our defence.

Our Multi 1NT' overcall describes a distributional hand concerning a either a good 6+ card suit - usually a minor OR interest in the 2 lowest unbid suits which can either be C&D or C&H or D&H

Previously a 1N o'call coded for a number of rare situations which have been removed.  Our 1N o'call now focuses only on distributional hands involving the lowest 2 unbid suits.

A 1NT o'call initiates the 1NT multi bidding and must nave 9+HCP as well as possibilities in two suits. Partner has to bid even if your if his RHO passes.

Bidding 2 Clubs shows greater interest in the lower suit and 2 Diamonds in the higher suit. If your RHO doubles PASS shows interet in the lower suit and redouble preference in the higher suit.

The 1NT  multi o'call  is aimed at discovering a fit in one of the two chosen suits with  his partner's help.

Your LHO may PASS, double raise his partner

Some bids are mainly defensive bids but opponents  beware as they may also have a powerful sting in their tail: These include BETA's 3-way 2♦ multi bid: often a weak Major 2 but can also be a balanced NT 19-20 HCP or even a 5-5+ 2-suiter: C+H or D+S. Also our 1N Multi o'call bid: which is either a 3-level minor pre-empt or a 55+ minor 2-suited with a  <7LTC, hand. Finally our 2♣ o'call mostly shows a 4-4 Major holding & 10+HCP or can also be a strong single suited 2C distributional opening with an unspecified 6+ card suit and an LTC<5.

1N O'call Specification is a distributional hand with DP >= 4 & 9+ HCP. Required distributions & rebids as follows:

(i) 6+ card minor suit:   Rebid  of 3mi

(ii) 2 suited with  5-5 in minors or 2-lowest unbid suits. See 5-5+ for all continuations

(iii) A 5-4 in minors  Note: 5-4-2-2 is strictly excluded. Only 5431 & 5440 are acceptable.

BETA's 1NT o'call is clearly not to play & and must be alerted. Described as 9+HCP distributional hand with emphasis on the lowest 2 unbid  suits. Eg if opps open 1Ma 1N focuses on the minors, However if the opponents open 1♦ (not alerted) then a 1NT o'call shows interest in Clubs & Hearts.

Partner is required to relay 2♣ or 2♦ if RHO passes our 1N o'call:-  2♣ would indicate Club support to be weaker than Heart support & 2♦ would indicate Club support to be stronger.

If RHO overcalls or doubles then PASS shows Club preference and a double|redouble shows preference of the higher ranking suit.

Note: Responder gives the essential information and avoids calling in a suit that could become the eventual contract played from the (wrong) responding hand.

If opponents open with a strong alertable bid of 1♣ strong >= 16HCP. In this case BETA's defence is the TRAP convention.

One of the options provided is our 1NT Multi overcall. Note: this is not to be used if anyother response is applicable.

BETA's 1N o'call can be made over any 1 level opening!

BETA's 1NT o'call is about distributional hands usually concened more with a minors - but not exclusively... it can follow any natural one of a suit opening by opponents when holding any highly distributional holding in the 2 lowest unbid suits.

Partner must respond to a Multi 1NT o'call:

If his RHO passes a bid is required to keep the bidding open!:- by bidding 2♣ One shows support for the lower suit is inferior or equal while bidding 2D indicates preference for the higher ranking suit. If RHO overcalls or doubles PASS indicates preference or equal interest for the lower suit length is better or equal in length otherwise bid *|** to show preference for the higher ranking suit.

1NT overcaller's rebid options are: as follows:

Partner has indicated preference and the 1NT bidder can now take partner's preferences into his considerations.

A) If he is 5-5+ in the 2 suits continuations follow with BETA's regular processing of 5-5+ hands - so the 1N bidder rebid sould be the response to an imagined 3N inquiry! and bidding contnues as detaile in 55+. Note if the opener does not rebid one could be at the 2NT level!

In this case he may close the bidding in either suit. at the 3-level (Heart possibly at the 2 level)or develop the bidding further with a 2N bid inquiry etc. See 55+ for further bidding of 5-5+ hands.

Note: under review