Cappelletti convention
Cappelletti (also called Hamilton and Pottage) is a contract bridge bidding convention primarily used to interfere over opponent's one notrump (1NT) opening. Usually attributed to Michael Cappelletti and his longtime partner Edwin Lewis, origin of the concept is also claimed by Fred Hamilton, John Pottage and Gerald Helms.
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). 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 suit 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 suit (at least 5-4 or 4-5),
- 2♠ shows spades and a minor suit (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 values equivalent to a strong 1NT opening, i.e. 15-17 or 16-18 points by partnership agreement.
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