The Gambling 3NT
     
 
to abbreviations and terminology  
to conventions this page was last updated: 24-Feb-2008
 
     
 
 
If you wish you can view or download the Word Doc file for printing.
 
     
     
     
 

The Gambling 3NT

 
 

As I have said on numerous occasions in the news-sheets (and see Benjamin twos, Multi 2 or Kokish Relays) it is obviously very silly to use the 3NT opening as a very strong balanced hand, so what is the best use? Undoubtedly it's the ‘gambling' 3NT.

 
     
 

There are various treatments but the best is a completely solid minor suit AKQxxxx(x) and absolutely no outside ace or king. Playing this treatment partner knows exactly what you have and will only pass when he has stoppers in 3 suits.

 
     
 

If responder does not want to play in 3NT (because a suit is wide open) then he bids 4 (pass or correct).

 
     
 

Of course the gambling 3NT is not a weak hand and there may be slam. If responder is interested in slam he can bid 4 which asks opener to show his singleton (or void).

 
     
 

Responses to the 4 shape ask are:

 
     
 
4 = shortage
4 = shortage
4NT = no shortage (2227 or 2272)
5 = shortage in the other minor (responder should be able to work out which one!).
 
     
     
 

Defense to the Gambling 3 No Trumps

 
 

You can use your normal defence to 1NT but two levels higher. My preferred defence is Multi Landy, thus: -

 
     
 
dbl = penalties  
4 = both majors  
4 = a long major suit  
4 = 's and a minor * * Note that advancer will normally know
4 = 's and a minor * . .which minor partner has.
 
     
     
 

The problem with the Gambling 3NT

 
 

The only real drawback of the Gambling 3NT is that the wrong hand is declarer in a 3NT contract. There are a couple of solutions: -

 
     
 
(a)

Play transfer pre-empts; 2NT = 's, 3 = 's etc. and then 3 = the Gambling 3NT.

  Responder can then happily bid 3NT with stoppers such as Kx. All other responses are the same. The drawback is that you lose your normal 2NT bid.
(b)

Play an opening 3 bid as either 's or 's. Of course this may lead to confusion, but it's just as likely to be the opponents who get in a mess.

 
 
     
 
  ________________________________
 
     
  There is a good example of the pre-emptive effect of the gambling 3NT in news-sheet 215.  
     
     
 
  Pattaya Bridge Club - www.pattayabridge.com
 
     
 
to conventions