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Non-forcing 1NT

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
211–17, 3+
211–17, 4+
211–14, 6+
215–17, 4+
2NT!15–17, 6=, ≤ AJ9
315–17, 5+#
315–17, 6+, AJT+ or 7+
315–17, 4+, 6+
3NT!Gambling, 7+ AKQ, no outside A/K

Just like 1-1NT, the threshold of suit quality is based on Binky Points.

Impossible spades

Spades that responder rebids must be artificial because 1NT already denies spades. The impossible 2 is the invitational raise of opener’s last suit — clubs after 2, diamonds after 2, hearts after 2 — forcing for one round, so opener accepts game with a maximum or signs off in three of the suit. The direct three-level raise is the weaker, to-play version.

1-1NT-2-NF, 3+
2NF, 5+
2NF, usually 2–3
2!INV, 4+
2NTBAL INV
3NF, 4+
3INV, 6+
3INV, 3=
1-1NT-2-NF, 4+
2NF, usually 2–3
2!INV, 4+
2NTBAL INV
3INV, 6+
3NF, 4+
3INV, 3=
1-1NT-2-NF, 6+
2!INV, 2+
2NTBAL INV
3INV, 6+#
3NF, 3+

Precision 2NT

Like 1-1NT-2NT, opener has pinned a narrow hand — a maximum with a weak six-card suit — so responder simply places the contract. Here the spade puppet has nothing to find: 1NT denied spades, so there is no second major, and the escape suits straddle hearts rather than sitting below the trump suit. Every call is therefore a natural sign-off — pass with a balanced minimum, retreat to a long minor, or take the 6–3 heart fit at the level your strength buys.

1-1NT-2NT-15–17, 6=
3S/O, 6+
3S/O, 6+
3S/O, 3=
3NTS/O, 0–2
4S/O, 3=