Landy Defense by David Bird

There are many defenses against an opposing 1NT opening. Some are quite complicated, but here we will look at one of the simplest and most widely-played, the Landy Defense:

2♣ shows both majors, at least 5-4 shape
2♦, 2♥, 2♠ are natural
Double is for penalties

The defense operates against the weak or the strong 1NT. It's true that a penalty double will not be productive so often against a 15-17 1NT, but at least partner will be able to bid a long suit when he knows that there is a healthy point-count opposite.

See how it works in this quiz, where the opposing 1NT will always be 15-17.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ K J 7 6
♥ Q J 10 6 2
♦ Q 7 6
♣ 5

Q: 1 - What action will you take, if any, on this hand?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1NT
?

A: 2♣. Against a 15-17 HCP 1NT, there is little chance that you will have a game your way. Strange as this may seem, this gives you greater freedom to enter the auction when you have a bit of shape but a relatively low point-count. That's because your partner will not then carry you to the stars.

Against a 12-14 1NT, overcalls should be around 11-14 HCP because there is still a good chance that you may have a game your way. Partner needs to be able to rely on you if they head in that direction.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ K 7 6
♥ Q 10 7 2
♦ A 7 6
♣ Q 4 3

Q: 2 - What response will you make on these South cards?

South	West	North	East
-	1NT	2♣	Pass
?

A: 2♥. You have eight losers and partner may have a modest hand. Do not punish him for intervening. The chance of a game is poor, and you don't want to go down in 3♥ or 4♥.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ K 10 8 6 5 2
♥ 4
♦ J 8 3
♣ A 6 2

Q: 3 - What action will you take here?

South	West	North	East
-	1NT	2♥	Pass
?

A: Pass. Even if you think that 2♠ may be a better spot than 2♥, you should pass. To change the suit would be a constructive move.

If the opponents double 2♥, you can consider a retreat to 2♠ then.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K 9 8 4 2
♥ K 4
♦ A 7 6 2
♣ J 8

Q: 4 - Here, you have a good spade fit. What will you bid?

South	West	North	East
-	1NT	2♣	Pass
?

A: 4♠. This is the sort of hand where you are entitled to go to game, with five-card spade support and a useful king in partner's other suit, plus a minor-suit ace.

You cannot be certain of making ten tricks, but the odds favor it.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ J 8 3
♥ 10 9 2
♦ Q 7 6
♣ K J 8 2

Q: 5 - What will you bid here?

South	West	North	East
-	1NT	2♣	Pass
?

A: 2♦. When you have equal length in the two majors, you do not have to guess which one to bid. Respond 2♦ and partner will make the choice. When he is 4/5 or 5/4 in the majors, it will be important to play in his five-card suit.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 6

Your Hand
♠ J 2
♥ 8 5
♦ Q 7 6
♣ A J 10 9 6 5

Q: 6 - What will you bid here?

South	West	North	East
-	1NT	2♣	Pass
?

A: Pass. It seems that 2♣ will be the best contract!

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

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Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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