Cappelletti convention

This article describes the bridge bidding convention.

Cappelletti (also called Hamilton and Pottage^[1]) is a contract bridge bidding convention used to intervene over opponent's 1NT opening. Its invention is usually attributed to Michael Cappelletti and his longtime partner Edwin Lewis, but origin of the concept is also claimed by Fred Hamilton, John Pottage and Gerald Helms.^[2]

Cappelletti is particularly recommended for use against a weak 1NT opening (12-14 HCP) but can be used against stronger 1NT openings (15-17 HCP)^[3]. The range for Cappelletti overcalls is 9-14 points. Over the 1NT opening, the intervening opponent in either second or fourth position makes one of the following artificial overcalls to show a one-suited or a two-suited hand:

• 2 ♣ shows a one-suited hand (usually 6 or more cards). Partner is expected to:
  • bid 2♦ with a weak hand, which the overcaller can correct to his long suit, or
  • bid 2 of a Major if he has a good 5 or 6 card suit, or
  • bid 2NT with a strong hand, (overcaller bids the suit)
• 2♦ shows both major suits (at least 5-4 or 4-5),
• 2♥ shows hearts and a minor (at least 5-4 or 4-5),
• 2♠ shows spades and a minor (at least 5-4 or 4-5),
• 2NT shows both minor suits (at least 5-5).

With 15 or more points, a Double for penalties is recommended over the 1NT opening; generally showing 15-17 or 16-18 points based upon partnership agreement.

See also

• List of defenses to 1NT

References

External links

• Bridge Buff website commentary on the MONK convention and shortcomings of Cappelletti.