LHO opens and is followed by 2 passes. Before you decide what to do with your hand, analyse what you know about the 2 passed hands.

Firstly RHO has fewer than 6 points as he passed.

Your partner did not make a take out double, so he has either a balanced flat hand with up to 16 points, or has strength in the opponents suit that has been bid.

You must if possible protect your partner’s hand, and find a bid. This is called Balancing.

A good way to judge the value of your hand is to imagine you have an extra king, and bid accordingly. Your partner should now bid as if he had a king less in his hand.

Now look at your hand.

If you have a flat hand with 10-14 points, bid 1NT.

With 15 to 17 points and a flat hand, double first and then bid NT.

Even if you only have 9 points, you should either bid a suit holding 5 cards, or double. Your partner will know it is not a penalty double. You are in the wrong position to double for penalties, being UNDER the opener. A suit bid by you in the protective position does not now have to be as strong as in first overcalling position. Your partner will not expect as much from you, and should realise that you are only protecting.

A note of caution. If you have 3 or 4 small cards in the opponent’s suit, then you should pass. This is the dangerous holding. Why? Your partner is marked with some points BUT did not bid. He cannot be short in the opponent’s suit, as he did not double. The only one likely to be short is the partner of the opener, so the danger of ruffs is very real.