DONT

Quick Summary

DONT (Disturb Opponents’ NoTrump) is a defense against 1NT where each bid shows that suit plus a higher suit. It’s aggressive and disruptive.

The System

After (1NT):

Bid Shows

X One-suited hand (any suit)

2♣ Clubs + a higher suit

2♦ Diamonds + a major

2♥ Hearts + spades

2♠ Natural (spades only)

Note: Double is NOT penalty in DONT!

How It Works

Double = One-Suited

♠KQJ974 ♥83 ♦A62 ♣72

After (1NT): Double — Shows a one-suited hand. Partner bids 2♣, you correct to your suit.

(1NT) - X - (Pass) - 2♣ (Pass) - 2♠

2♣ = Clubs + Higher

♠73 ♥KJ84 ♦62 ♣AQ974

After (1NT): Bid 2♣ — Clubs + a higher suit (hearts here).

Partner passes with clubs or bids 2♦ to find your other suit.

2♦ = Diamonds + Major

♠KJ974 ♥73 ♦AQ853 ♣6

After (1NT): Bid 2♦ — Diamonds + a major (spades here).

Partner passes with diamonds or bids 2♥ to find your major.

2♥ = Both Majors

♠KJ974 ♥AQ853 ♦62 ♣7

After (1NT): Bid 2♥ — Hearts + spades. Partner picks.

2♠ = Spades (One-Suited)

♠AQJ974 ♥83 ♦K62 ♣72

After (1NT): Bid 2♠ — Natural, just spades. No second suit.

Partner’s Responses

After Double (One-Suiter)

(1NT) - X - (Pass) - ?

Response Meaning

2♣ Forced relay

Pass Long clubs, convert to penalty

After 2♣ (Clubs + Higher)

(1NT) - 2♣ - (Pass) - ?

Response Meaning

Pass Happy with clubs

2♦ Asking for the higher suit

2♥/2♠ Natural, to play

After 2♦ (Diamonds + Major)

(1NT) - 2♦ - (Pass) - ?

Response Meaning

Pass Happy with diamonds

2♥ Asking for the major

Strength Requirements

DONT can be played light, the goal is disruption:

Vulnerability Typical Range

Favorable 7-14

Equal 9-14

Unfavorable 10-14

Shape matters more than points!

DONT vs Cappelletti

Feature DONT Cappelletti

Double One-suiter Penalty

2♣ Two-suited One-suiter

Style Aggressive More constructive

DONT is more disruptive; Cappelletti is more descriptive.

The Name

Disturb Opponents’ NoTrump = DONT

Invented by Marty Bergen, who also created Bergen Raises.

Key Takeaways

• X = one-suited, Any suit

• 2♣ = clubs + higher

• 2♦ = diamonds + major

• 2♥ = both majors

• 2♠ = natural — Spades only

• Aggressive style, Disrupt their auction!

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See also: Cappelletti (alternative defense), Landy (simple majors-only)