cards · tap a card (or press the button) to reveal the answer.
Question
What does DONT stand for?
Answer
Why
Disturbing Opponents’ No Trump
Why
The name says what the bid does: it disturbs the opponents and makes their bidding difficult.
Question
When do you use DONT?
Answer
Why
After the opponents open a strong 1NT (14+ to 17)
Why
It is a defence to their 1NT opening. You do not use it when your side opens.
Question
What is the goal of DONT?
Answer
Why
To find a partscore of your own instead of letting the opponents play 1NT
Why
1NT is often a good contract for them. If you bid, you take it away.
Question
Why should you learn DONT?
Answer
Why
- It is simple to learn
- It can show any one- or two-suited hand
- It keeps you at the two level
Why
You never have to bid higher than the two level.
Question
In which seats can you use DONT?
Answer
Why
The direct overcall seat, or the balancing (fourth) seat
Why
So you can bid straight after their 1NT, and also after 1NT - Pass - Pass.
Question
What hand shape do you want in order to use DONT?
Answer
Why
One or two long suits, with your high cards in those long suits
Why
High cards in your long suits win tricks. High cards in your short suits do much less.
Question
What if your high cards are in your short suits instead?
Answer
Why
Be much less willing to bid
Why
A queen in a two-card suit wins very little, and your long suits are weaker than your point count makes them look.
Question
How many HCP do you need to act when NOT vulnerable?
Answer
Why
At least 8 HCP
Why
Going down costs less when you are not vulnerable, so you can bid with a weaker hand.
Question
How many HCP do you need to act when vulnerable?
Answer
Why
At least 11 HCP
Why
Going down costs more when you are vulnerable, so you need a stronger hand to bid.
Question
How light can you be in the balancing seat?
Answer
Why
As low as 4 HCP
Why
Opener showed 15-17 and responder passed, so responder is weak too. If you also have only four points, most of the missing points must be with your partner. That makes it safe to bid.
Question
How much shortness should your hand have?
Answer
Why
At least two shortness points - two doubletons, or a singleton
Why
You need a shapely hand to do better than 1NT. With a flat hand you have nowhere better to play.
Question
How high should you compete when using DONT?
Answer
Why
Only to the two level - never higher
Why
DONT is for finding a safe partscore. It is not for bidding high.
Question
What does an overcall of 2♣ show?
Answer
Why
Clubs and a higher-ranking suit - 5+ and 4+
Why
In DONT, every suit bid shows that suit and another suit above it.
Question
What does an overcall of 2♦ show?
Answer
Why
Diamonds and a higher-ranking suit - 5+ and 4+
Why
Partner can pass with diamond support, or bid on to find your other suit.
Question
What does an overcall of 2♥ show?
Answer
Why
Hearts and a higher-ranking suit - 5+ and 4+
Why
Spades is the only suit above hearts, so partner already knows your other suit.
Question
What does an overcall of 2♠ show?
Answer
Why
Spades - there is no higher suit to go with it
Why
Agree with partner whether your 2♠ is the weak or the strong version.
Question
What does a Double of the opponents’ 1NT show?
Answer
Why
One long suit, six cards or more
Why
In DONT the double shows one suit. It is not a penalty double.
Question
Partner doubles the opponents’ 1NT. How do you respond?
Answer
Why
Bid 2♣
Why
The double asks you to bid 2♣. Partner then passes if clubs is their suit, or bids their real long suit.
Question
Is DONT alertable?
Answer
Why
Yes - all DONT bids are alertable
Why
All of these bids are artificial, including the double.
Question
Can DONT be used by a passed hand?
Answer
Why
Yes
Why
Passing earlier does not stop you from bidding after they open 1NT.
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