Cappelletti Convention in Bridge: How to Bid Over 1NT
The Cappelletti convention is a way to compete after an opponent opens 1NT. Instead of bidding only natural suits, each two-level bid shows a specific type of hand: 2♣ shows one long suit, 2♦ shows both majors, 2♥ and 2♠ show that major plus a minor, 2NT shows both minors, and double is for penalties.
A 1NT opening is hard to bid against. The opponents have shown a strong, balanced hand, and the cheapest suit you can bid is already at the two level. Cappelletti helps by letting you show two-suited hands, which are the hands most likely to find a safe fit. This guide covers what each bid means, how partner should answer, how Cappelletti compares with other defenses, and three example hands.
What Each Cappelletti Bid Shows
These meanings apply when an opponent opens 1NT and you're the next player to bid:
| Your bid over 1NT | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Double | A strong hand, usually more than the 1NT opener. Penalties. |
| 2♣ | A one-suited hand, usually six or more cards in any suit |
| 2♦ | Both majors, at least 5-4 either way |
| 2♥ | Five or more hearts and four or more in a minor |
| 2♠ | Five or more spades and four or more in a minor |
| 2NT | Both minors, usually 5-5 or longer |
The convention is named after Michael Cappelletti, an American player and bridge writer. Outside North America the same method is often called Hamilton, after the American player Fred Hamilton. In Britain you may also hear it called Pottage.
How Partner Responds
Every Cappelletti bid except double asks partner to help find the right suit.
After 2♣ (one long suit)
Partner usually bids 2♦. This is a relay that says "please show me your suit". You then pass if your suit is diamonds, or bid your suit (2♥, 2♠ or 3♣).
Partner can also pass 2♣ with long clubs of their own, or bid a long suit of their own if they have a good one.
After 2♦ (both majors)
Partner picks a major. 2♥ or 2♠ is a simple choice with no promise of strength. A jump to 3♥ or 3♠ invites game. Partner can also pass 2♦ with long diamonds and little else.
After 2♥ or 2♠ (major plus a minor)
- Pass with support for your major.
- 2NT asks which minor you hold. You answer 3♣ or 3♦.
- 3♣ is "pass or correct": pass with clubs, or correct to 3♦ with diamonds.
- A raise of your major invites game, depending on partner's strength.
After 2NT (both minors)
Partner picks the better minor at the three level, or jumps to game with a good fit and some strength.
After a double (penalties)
Partner usually passes and leads their best suit. With a very weak hand and a long suit, partner can run to that suit instead.
Cappelletti vs DONT, Landy and Meckwell
Cappelletti isn't the only defense against 1NT. Here's how the most common ones compare:
| Bid over 1NT | Cappelletti | DONT | Landy | Meckwell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Penalty | One-suited hand | Penalty | One minor, or both majors |
| 2♣ | One-suited hand | Clubs + a higher suit | Both majors | Clubs + a major |
| 2♦ | Both majors | Diamonds + a major | Natural | Diamonds + a major |
| 2♥ | Hearts + a minor | Both majors | Natural | Natural |
| 2♠ | Spades + a minor | Natural | Natural | Natural |
A few practical differences:
- Cappelletti keeps the penalty double. That helps when you hold a strong hand over a weak 1NT.
- DONT gives up the penalty double so you can bid more often at the two level. It's popular against strong notrump openings.
- Landy is the simplest. Only one artificial bid to remember, which makes it a good first defense for newer players.
The best defense is the one your partner knows well. Pick one, write it on your convention card, and stick with it.
Three Example Hands
In each example, your right-hand opponent opens a strong 1NT (15-17).
Example 1: Spades and a minor
You hold:
♠ K Q 10 7 5 ♥ 6 ♦ A J 8 6 4 ♣ 7 3 (10 HCP)
You have five spades and five diamonds. Bid 2♠. Partner holds:
♠ 4 ♥ Q J 8 5 3 ♦ K 9 2 ♣ Q 10 6 4 (8 HCP)
Partner has a singleton spade, so they bid 2NT to ask for your minor. You bid 3♦, and partner passes. You've found an 8-card diamond fit.
Example 2: The one-suited hand
You hold:
♠ 8 4 ♥ K Q J 10 7 6 ♦ A 9 3 ♣ 5 2 (10 HCP)
You want to show hearts, but a 2♥ bid would promise a minor too. So bid 2♣, showing a one-suited hand. Partner bids 2♦ to ask for your suit, and you bid 2♥. Partner now knows you have a long heart suit and nothing else to show.
Example 3: The penalty double
You hold:
♠ A Q 4 ♥ K J 10 ♦ A 10 9 3 ♣ Q 8 5 (16 HCP)
You have as many points as the opener, and you're sitting over them, so their honors are badly placed. Double for penalties. If partner passes, you'll lead the ♥K and start knocking out declarer's stoppers.
Common Mistakes
- Bidding 2♥ or 2♠ with a one-suited hand. Partner will expect a second suit. Go through 2♣ instead.
- Forgetting the 2♦ relay. After 2♣, partner should usually bid 2♦ so you can name your suit.
- Competing with weak suits. Two-level bids against a strong notrump can be doubled. Keep your honors in your long suits.
- Not agreeing on the passout seat. Many pairs use the same meanings after 1NT - Pass - Pass, sometimes with a lighter double. Discuss it.
How to Practice Cappelletti on Bridge Champ
The computer players on Bridge Champ use Cappelletti over 1NT, so you can play it with a computer partner. If you're not sure how the computer will read a bid, click the bot icon before you make it, and after the hand you can ask it to explain any bid. The full system is on the bots page of the wiki.
To get lots of practice in one session:
- Use the Hand Editor to give East a 15-17 point balanced hand and give South a two-suited shape. See the Hand Editor guide.
- Open a Bidding Practice table with the "Opponents must pass" switch off, so the computer opponents open and you can compete. See the Bidding Practice guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cappelletti convention in bridge?
Cappelletti is a defense against an opponent's 1NT opening. Double is for penalties, 2♣ shows a one-suited hand, 2♦ shows both majors, 2♥ and 2♠ show that major plus a minor, and 2NT shows both minors.
Is Cappelletti the same as Hamilton?
Yes. It's the same convention under a different name. North American players usually call it Cappelletti, while many players elsewhere call it Hamilton, and some in Britain call it Pottage.
What does a double mean in Cappelletti?
A double of 1NT is for penalties. It shows a strong hand, usually at least as strong as the 1NT opener, and partner normally passes.
How do you respond to a Cappelletti 2♣ bid?
Partner usually bids 2♦, a relay that asks you to show your long suit. You pass with diamonds or bid your suit.
Is Cappelletti better than DONT?
Neither is better in every situation. Cappelletti keeps the penalty double, which helps against weak notrumps. DONT lets you bid more often at the two level. The best choice is the one you and your partner know well.
Summary
Cappelletti turns your two-level bids over 1NT into a code for two-suited and one-suited hands, while keeping double for penalties. Learn the 2♦ relay after 2♣ and the 2NT ask after 2♥ or 2♠, and you'll compete safely against 1NT far more often.
For more ways to compete, read about the Michaels cue bid, or browse our full list of bridge conventions. Then play bridge free online on Bridge Champ and try Cappelletti for yourself.