Opening 1NT, double of 1NT, common-sense escape

My basic guideline for a double of 1NT is sixteen points, but fifteen or even fourteen will be sufficient if there is a substantial suit in which to attack as here.

In the simplest defence North’s 2♣ is a weak escape on a five-card suit.

East has a borderline penalty double following partner’s double of 1NT.  If he passes then West may or may not introduce his diamond suit.  With just five cards in the suit and a balanced hand well suited to defence, pass is the wise choice leaving North to play either 2♣ or 2♣x.

Evaluation

If West passes initially then South will find himself playing in 1NT and will do well to make more than four tricks.

If West decides to bid his diamonds at any point he will go one down for 100 to NS.

Otherwise NS will find themselves playing in 2♣ which goes two down.  This scored 63% for EW when not doubled, and a top of 87% when doubled.

NS’s escape methods make little difference when responder holds a five-card suit as here.

It is the EW decisions which are crucial - on this hand West must overcome any desire to bid his suit, if given the opportunity, and East must find the penalty double, at least at pairs scoring.

Post-beginner to intermediate

Intermediate and above

Opening 1NT, double of 1NT, basic wriggle

In the basic wriggle North redoubles, promising a five-card suit - South bids 2♣ as instructed, and North passes.

West may or may not show his diamonds at this point, and if he passes East has the same choice as before as to whether or not to double for penalties.

Opening 1NT, double of 1NT, exit transfers

Playing exit transfers North’s redouble promises five clubs, and South completes the transfer as instructed.

The auction then continues exactly as above.