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Conventions in depth

D.O.N.T.

A defence to the opponents’ 1NT in which the double and the two-level overcalls show one- and two-suited hands, with no penalty double.

Competing over 1NT

D.O.N.T. stands for Disturbing Opponents’ NoTrump. Like Cappelletti, it gives the cheap calls artificial meanings so you can contest the deal on shape rather than sit quietly under a strong notrump. Its particular aim is to get in cheaply with one-suited as well as two-suited hands, and to do so it gives up the penalty double, using the double for a one-suiter instead.

The scheme

Double
One long suit. Partner relays 2♣, and you pass with clubs or correct to your real suit, a “bid my suit” that starts as low as possible.
2♣
Clubs and a higher suit.
2♦
Diamonds and a higher suit (a major).
2♥
Both majors, at least five–four. With five–four BidMaestro wants about 12 points, with five–five about 8, a couple more when vulnerable.
2♠
Long spades: a single-suiter, to play. It is weaker than doubling and correcting to spades, which shows the same suit with more.
2NT
Both minors, at least five–five.

Advancing

  • Over the double, bid 2♣ to hear partner’s suit (or pass to play in clubs with a good club holding of your own).
  • Over 2♣ or 2♦ (that minor plus a higher suit), pass to play in the minor, unless you are short in it, when you bid the next suit up to look for the higher one.
  • Over 2♥ (both majors), choose the better major.
  • Over 2♠, pass: it is a single-suiter to play.
  • Over 2NT (both minors), choose the better minor at the three level.
RHOYouLHOPartner
1NTXPass2♣
Pass2♥PassPass
Pass

Your double shows one long suit. Partner relays 2♣ to hear it, and you correct to 2♥: hearts was the suit all along. Partner, content, passes.

How it compares with Cappelletti

Both are defences to the opponents’ 1NT and occupy the same slot: a partnership plays one or the other. Cappelletti keeps a penalty double and shows a one-suiter with 2♣; DONT starts one step lower, using the double for the one-suiter and freeing 2♣ through 2♥ for two-suited hands. DONT gets into more auctions.

DONT is Marty Bergen’s method. BidMaestro uses conservative entry values for the overcalls, the same minimums as Cappelletti, rather than the very light, aggressive style some partnerships adopt.

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