Remember that major suit fits of 8+ cards is the dream? So when partner shows a good hand by opening 1NT and you have at least one four card major, you really want to find out if partner also has four cards in that suit.

If your hand is weak, you can’t afford to ask the question* because if it turns out that they either don’t have a four card major at all, or they don’t have the one you were hoping for, then you would have to play in 2NT and you probably won’t make that.

But if your hand is invitational or better, you can first check for a major fit and then tell partner whether or not you have found one, as well as how good your hand in. This will get you to the best contract most of the time.

As you can see from the panel above, the way to ask the question is to bid 2C. This bid, like all two level responses to 1NT, is artifical. Once partner makes their next bid you will know whether you should be playing in your major suit or in NT, and whether you should be offering partner the choice of level (invitational) or just bidding game (game forcing).  It seems complicated but the video will help.

Want to see if you’ve really got that?  Take the quiz