Weekly Hand Analysis - Mark Olsky - September 4, 2023 - NT Overcall

Question:  Does each NT overcall mean something different? Does this overcall demand Blackwood?

Mark:

First of all, in the best of all worlds, both partners have the (same) agreement as to the meaning of the 4NT bid. In this auction, lacking a prior agreement with partner, I would interpret 4NT as Blackwood and would respond accordingly. I don't think West's hand is nearly good enough for Blackwood. There's too much chance that you are too high at that point. In this case, if partner shows 1 ace and you sign off in 5 diamonds you'll almost surely go down 2 for -200. Since N-S have no chance to make a game, you lose out not only to the E-W pairs that defend 4 spades and defeat it, but also to those who defend a spade partial for -140. 

  Here's a hand I would bid 4NT blackwood: Take the diamonds and add 3 more small cards, making it a 10 card suit! It's very rare, but it can happen. Let's say that the remaining cards are that singleton ace of clubs and a non- ace singleton in each of the majors. When partner shows no aces, you are totally safe at 5 diamonds. If partner shows 1 ace. you are totally safe in 6 diamonds and with 2 aces, you are not only safe in 7 diamonds, but stop to think a moment. Yes, you are 100% safe in 7NT!  Don't lose matchpoints by bidding only 7 diamonds. That hand is more likely to come up in your dreams than at the table, of course. Remember, we are talking about the hypothetical solid 10 card suit now.

  Some partnerships might have a firm agreement that 4NT shows an extreme 2 suited hand either with both minors if the club opener doesn't promise a probable club suit, or the 2 lowest unbid suits. I don't use that level of NT jump for that purpose, but you could have just the right hand for it. It's rare, but not as rare as the hand that makes Blackwood a good idea. The reason I don't use the bid as a 2 suit takeout is that there are things much more likely to come up and, unless you are world champion caliber, there will be more important things to discuss.

  Here is an absolutely critical thing to remember as you contemplate a bid. Are you trying to describe your hand for partner to decide something, or are you trying to ask partner a question so you can make the best decision? With Blackwood, you are asking partner a question and you will be deciding the contract. With "Unusual NT" you are describing your hand to partner and hoping they make a good decision. On this hand, neither possibility fits the cards.