The Cappelletti Convention

Mike Cappelletti and Fred Hamilton each promoted the same defense to an opposing 1NT. In bridge it is called the Cappelletti convention, or Hamilton in North America and Pottage in Britain. Natural overcalls of 1NT can show one long suit, but two-suited hands have no good way in, and a double for penalty is rarely useful against a strong notrump. Cappelletti reorganizes the two-level bids to give every common shape its own call, and still keeps the penalty double for strong hands.

Over the opponents' 1NT, the meanings are the same in the direct seat and in fourth seat after two passes.

The price is a round of delay on one-suited hands. To show a heart one-suiter you bid 2♣, partner bids 2♦, and only then do you bid 2♥. That gives the opponents a chance to double 2♣ or bid again, so the one-suiter should be a good six-card suit.

• Over 2♣, advancer normally relays with 2♦ and lets the overcaller name the suit. Advancer with a long, strong suit of their own can bid it instead, natural and to play.
• Over 2♦, advancer picks a major. Holding equal length, bid 2♥, the cheaper one. The overcaller with five spades and four hearts can then correct to 2♠.
• Over 2♥ or 2♠, advancer passes with tolerance for the major. With a misfit and no idea of the minor, 2NT asks, and the overcaller bids 3♣ or 3♦.
• Over 2NT, advancer bids the better minor. With a strong fit and a good hand, a jump to four of a minor invites game.

East opens a 15 to 17 point 1NT. South holds ♠KJ985 ♥AQ74 ♦83 ♣62, 10 points and both majors. South bids 2♦. North has three hearts and a singleton spade, so bids 2♥, and everyone passes. South has competed safely in a fit the opponents might otherwise have played in 1NT.

Change South's hand to ♠7 ♥KQJ984 ♦A52 ♣T63, also 10 points, and South has a one-suiter. South bids 2♣, North relays with 2♦, and South bids 2♥ to show the suit. North passes.

• Do not double without a reason. The penalty double needs about 15 points or a long solid suit to lead. Doubling a strong notrump on 13 points with no source of tricks loses more often than it gains.
• Two-suiters only when both suits are real. A 5-4 hand with the four-card suit as ♥8642 is often better passed. Overcall when your suits will play well opposite a fit.
• Agree what the opponents' interference means. A common agreement is that if responder doubles 2♣, advancer passes to show clubs and redoubles to ask the overcaller to bid. Discuss it before it happens.
• Responder's methods. The opponents may use Lebensohl or a double against your Cappelletti bids, so expect them to compete.

Cappelletti is one of several defenses to 1NT. DONT gives up the penalty double so that every two-suited hand can bid at once, and Landy uses only 2♣ for both majors and keeps the rest natural. Against a weak 12 to 14 notrump, where the penalty double earns more, Cappelletti's choice to keep it is a real advantage. Over suit openings the same partnership will use the Michaels cue bid for two-suiters.

What is the Cappelletti convention in bridge?

The Cappelletti convention is a defense against an opponent's 1NT opening. Double is for penalty, 2♣ shows a one-suiter, 2♦ both majors, 2♥ or 2♠ that major with a minor, and 2NT both minors.

Is Cappelletti the same as Hamilton?

Yes. Mike Cappelletti and Fred Hamilton each promoted the same structure, and it is known by either name. Pottage is a third name for the same structure.

How do you respond to a Cappelletti 2♣?

Bid 2♦, which asks the overcaller to show the suit. The overcaller passes with diamonds or bids the real suit.

How many points do you need for a Cappelletti overcall?

There is no fixed minimum. Shape and vulnerability matter more. Around 8 to 10 points with a good two-suiter is enough not vulnerable, and you want more when vulnerable.

Should I play Cappelletti or DONT?

Cappelletti keeps the penalty double, which suits weak notrumps. DONT shows every two-suiter at once, which suits strong notrumps where penalties are rare.