Hand Description:  all seats

• High Card Points (HCP):  see table below
• No singleton or void
• At most 1 doubleton
• No 5 card major

High Card Points (HCP) needed for game

• 3NT (Game) - 25 HCPs, total for partnership
• 4H/S (Game) - 26 points, total for partnership
• 5C/D (Game) - 28 points, total for partnership

NoTrump Bidding Approach:

• The HCP range of opener is narrow.
  • Responder can often determine the best contract level.
  • Sometimes responder will narrow the level to two choices. Responder will invite declarer to bid the higher level with a hand that has a maximum HCP count for the range described in the initial NoTrump opening bid (or sequence).
  
  
• Opener will have a balanced hand---2 to 4 cards in each suit (possibly 5 in a Minor suit).
  • Responder can use the Stayman or Jacoby conventions to determine the best trump suit.
  • If a suitable 8-card Major suit is not found, a NoTrump contract is ususally chosen.
  • A Minor suit contract is possible, but is less desireable because it will usually score less.