Raptor 1NT shows:

• • • in the overcall (2nd) seat (opening with 3+ cards), good 10-17 HCP:

      • • after 1m: exactly 4 cards in at least one major and longer 5+ in the other minor;

        • after 1M: exactly 4 cards in the other major and longer 5+ in one of the minors,

    • in the sandwich position, good 10-17 HCP:

      • • exactly 4 cards in the other major and longer 5+ in the other minor.

Raptor intends to prevent losing a major suit fit, as might happen when overcalling in the longer minor suit.

After Raptor 1NT:

• • • bid of Raptor’s known suit - to play;

    • cue bid - a limit raise in Raptor’s known suit (in relation to some solutions, making them more natural and easier to remember);

    • 2♣ after 1M - pass or correct for minors, 3♣ and 3+♦ and no major fit;

    • 2♦ after 1M - 3+♦, 12+ HCP, no major fit, forcing;

    • 2♥ after 1m - pass or correct for majors (if RHO pass or double), 4+♥ and 4+♠;

    • 2♠ after 1m - 4+♠, 12+ HCP, forcing;

    • 2NT - 6+ HCP, fits in both Raptor’s unknown suits (minors or majors);

    • another suit suggests an independent suit.

The drawback to Raptor:

• giving up the strong 1NT overcall (15-18 HCP). With this hand you must start with a takeout double and plan to rebid 1NT. This in turn means you can no longer make a takeout double and then rebid 1NT to show 18-21 HCP;

• contract NT from the wrong hand;

• frequent loss of 1NT contract.

Others potential problem situations:

1♦    1N    2M   ?    4 OM shows game HCP and longer 4+, not 7+

1M   1N   4M   ?    5m defense cannot be found, after 1M   2m   4M  it is easier