Opener is free to pass 1♥ -1NT with a balanced minimum. The best major fit at
1♥ -1NT-P is balanced 5-3. Opener can judge when to pass quite safely.
1♥ -1NT- Usually 7–11, 0–3♠ , 0–3♥
2♣ 11–17, 2+♣ 2♦ 11–17, 3+♦ 2♥ 11–14, 6+♥ 2♠ 15–17, 4+♠ 2NT! 15–17, 6=♥ , ≤ ♥ AJ9 3♣ ♦ 15–17, 5+# 3♥ 15–17, 6+♥ , AJT+ or 7+♥ 3♠ 15–17, 4+♠ , 6+♥ 3NT! Gambling, 7+♥ AKQ, no outside A/K
Just like 1♠ -1NT , the threshold of suit quality is based on
Binky Points .
Spades that responder rebids must be artificial because 1NT already denies
spades. The impossible 2♠ asks for a stopper in spades before subsequent
invitations. Direct invitations are otherwise indifferent to quality in spades.
1♥ -1NT-2♣ - NF , 3+♣
2♦ NF , 5+♦ 2♥ NF , usually 2–3♥ 2♠ ! Ask for ♠ stopper 2NT BAL INV 3♣ INV , 4+♣ 3♦ INV , 6+♦ 3♥ INV , 3=♥
1♥ -1NT-2♦ - NF , 4+♦
2♥ NF , usually 2–3♥ 2♠ ! Ask for ♠ stopper 2NT BAL INV 3♣ INV , 6+♣ 3♦ INV , 4+♦ 3♥ INV , 3=♥
1♥ -1NT-2♥ - NF , 6+♥
2♠ ! Ask for ♠ stopper 2NT BAL INV 3♣ ♦ INV , 6+#3♥ INV , 2+♥