Cappelletti (Hamilton)
By Bridgetastic
Quick Summary
Cappelletti (also called Hamilton) is a defense against opponent’s 1NT opening. It uses 2♣ to show any one-suited hand, with other bids showing two-suited hands.
See our complete list of bridge conventions for more on this and other popular conventions.
The System
After (1NT):
Bid Shows
X Penalty (15+ balanced)
2♣ One-suited hand (any suit)
2♦ Both majors (5-4 or better)
2♥ Hearts + a minor
2♠ Spades + a minor
2NT Both minors
The 2♣ Bid
2♣ shows any one-suited hand. Partner relays with 2♦, then you show your suit:
♠KQJ974 ♥83 ♦A62 ♣72
(1NT) - 2♣ - (Pass) - 2♦ (Pass) - 2♠
You show spades. Partner passes or raises.
Two-Suited Bids
2♦ = Both Majors
♠KJ974 ♥AQ853 ♦62 ♣7
After (1NT): Bid 2♦ — Both majors, at least 5-4.
2♥ = Hearts + Minor
♠73 ♥KQ974 ♦AJ853 ♣6
After (1NT): Bid 2♥ — Hearts and a minor.
Partner bids: – 2♠ = Asking for the minor – 3♥ = Heart support – 4♥ = To play
2♠ = Spades + Minor
♠KQ974 ♥73 ♦6 ♣AJ853
After (1NT): Bid 2♠ — Spades and a minor.
2NT = Both Minors
♠6 ♥73 ♦KQ974 ♣AJ853
After (1NT): Bid 2NT, Both minors, at least 5-5.
Partner’s Responses to 2♣
After (1NT) – 2♣ – (Pass):
Response Meaning
2♦ Relay (forced)
Pass Long clubs, wants to play 2♣
After the 2♦ relay, overcaller bids their suit.
Strength Requirements
Vulnerability Points
Favorable 8-15
Equal 10-15
Unfavorable 11-15
Need better hands at unfavorable vulnerability.
Cappelletti vs DONT
Feature Cappelletti DONT
2♣ shows Any one-suiter Clubs + higher
Strength 10+ typical Can be lighter
Double Penalty Optional penalty
Both are popular, pick one and stick with it!
When Opponents Run
If responder bids over your Cappelletti:
(1NT) - 2♦ - (2♠) - ?
Partner can: – Pass = Nothing to say – 3♥ = Heart preference – Double = Penalty interest
The Double
Direct double of 1NT is penalty, showing 15+ balanced:
♠KQ5 ♥AJ83 ♦KJ6 ♣Q74
After (1NT): Double, 16 points balanced. Let’s defend!
Key Takeaways
-
2♣ = one-suited — Partner relays 2♦
-
2♦ = both majors — At least 5-4
-
2♥/2♠ = that major + minor
-
2NT = both minors
-
Double = penalty, Strong balanced hand
Practice Notrump Defense with Brian
Cappelletti gives you options over 1NT, but choosing between a penalty double, 2♣ relay, and direct suit bids requires good hand judgment. Practice makes these decisions faster.
Try Brian, your AI bridge coach, and practice hands where opponents open 1NT. Brian helps you decide when to compete with Cappelletti, when to double for penalty, and when to just defend.
Related reading:
- DONT Convention, An alternative defense against 1NT
- Bridge Conventions for Beginners, Start with these before adding Cappelletti
- Unusual 2NT, Showing two-suited hands in competitive bidding
Put It Into Practice with Brian
Brian is Bridgetastic's AI bidding coach. Get instant feedback on real hands and build your game — free to try.
Try Brian Free