Strong Notrump After Passing (SNAP)
Strong Notrump After Passing (SNAP) is a bridge bidding convention originated by Jeremy Flint and Tony Priday [1][2] and is a one notrump (1NT) bid by a passed hand in response to a one-level opening by his partner.
Similar to the Drury convention, SNAP is intended to keep the contract at a low level when it is possible that partner has opened with a light or minimum hand in third or fourth seat. While a 1NT response would typically show 6-9 (or 6-10) high card points (HCP) in most Standard American partnership agreements, the SNAP 1NT response instead shows a relatively balanced hand with 9-12 (or 10-12) HCP and no five-card major that could have been bid at the one-level.
When using SNAP, a 2NT response shows a balanced limit jump raise in opener's suit.
Limitations
Responding hands containing 6-8 points are problematic, especially if partner opens in spades.[3] Some 6 point hands are passed and some 8 point hands are bid at the two-level.
SNAP gives an advantage in a partscore deal and is therefore more suited to competitive bidding in Matchpoint scoring.[4] The risk of obliging a Pass or overbid holding 6-8 points deters some players from adopting the convention[4] while others favor it owing to the frequency of occurrence.[2]
See also
References
- Francis, Henry G.; Truscott, Alan F.; Frey, Richard L.; Hayward, Diane, eds. (1984). The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge (4th ed.). New York: Crown Publishers, Inc. p. 415. ISBN 0-517-55272-8. LCCN 84001791.
- Lindkvist, Magnus (2001). Bridge: Classic and Modern Conventions. Volume 1 (1st ed.). Romania: Arta Grafica S.A. pp. 206–209. ISBN 91-631-1099-7.
- Kearse, Amalya (1990). Bridge Conventions Complete (Revised and Expanded ed.). Louisville, KY: Devyn Press Inc. p. 129. ISBN 0-910791-76-7.
- Manley, Brent; Horton, Mark; Greenberg-Yarbro, Tracey; Rigal, Barry, eds. (2011). The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge (7th ed.). Horn Lake, MS: American Contract Bridge League. p. 321. ISBN 978-0-939460-99-1.