There's something pure about the 1NT opening. It's the simplest opening bid and usually the first thing that a beginner is taught (you Romex people — stop giggling at the back). Therefore it is usually the first thing that we get wrong in our bridge lives and the first instance of poorbridge we ever encounter. Indeed, in our earliest days we witnessed this famous hand. But we moved on from our childish ways and started writing about people revoking 18 times or that hilarious time when the 90 year old lady with the disabled dog failed to spot an elementary Backwash Squeeze. No longer, for Michael Ware has come to the rescue, bringing us back down to Earth with a trio of hands featuring the humble 1NT, and revitalising the genre for evermore. Or something. Look, just enjoy it ok?

Exhibit A is one of my partner Scott's favourites.

As usual I open 1NT. Only problem; my shape is 2=6=1=4.

Scott decides to GF relay. My first bid is easy — I show four or five Hearts.

"What else have you got?" asks Scott. "Five Hearts," say I.

"What is your doubleton?" Scott continues. "Hmmmn, diamonds," says I.

Scott looks at the shape I have described — exactly 3=5=2=3 and places the final contract in 4, the top spot.

"Not much point in playing relay" Scott notes. "You lied in all four suits!"

12 tricks, +1090.

I was very impressed with Pa Kettle on my left. I opened 1NT (11-14) on my 1=0=6=6 shape and at the end of the hand nothing was said. No director call. Nothing. His attitude was like — "unlucky".

One thing most of my partners have learnt is to not egg me on.

Playing pairs with Barry Jones I opened 1NT and after the hand was finished, Barry opines "you had 13 points and no singleton — I wasn't expecting that!"

The very next board against two LOLs, it goes pass, pass to me. I have a fine looking 9 count, with no five card suit, but nice pips. Not vulnerable I start with 1NT, 11-14.

LHO doubles and Barry Redoubles. "What's that?" asks RHO. I reply it is penalties and should be 9-11 HCP.

RHO passes, and I pass. LHO comes to our rescue by running to 2. Barry passes — unfortunately forcing. RHO now asks for a review of the auction again (1NT is 11-14 etc.) and reluctantly passes, clearly with some values though.

I don't have a penalty double of 2 so bid my four card spade suit. Everybody eventually passes and there I am in 2.

Dummy hits with a balanced 7 count. The defence is so bad I make an overtrick in my 4-3 fit.

Director is called. RHO starts proceedings. "He explained his bid as being 2 more HCP than that!" They are talking about Barry's redouble, not my 1NT opening. In fact no one complains about my 1NT opening at all. Old hat?