My parents would beg me to try more foods. "A bite won't hurt you." Yet once I would put a forkful in my mouth I would make the most pained expression.

There’s nothing that separates advanced players from the novices quite like a difficult notrump contract. My father, playing with Larry Cohen (who’s he?) always preferred that the first board of a team match be a tough 1NT contract so that he could properly evaluate his opponents. It’s the measure of a good player and it’s also one of the most difficult contracts for new players which is why so many beginning duplicate players say it’s their least favorite contract.

There’s another problem with 1NT—it’s really hard to write about as a bridge teacher. The reason is that higher level contracts often have clearer lines. You are less likely to be dependent on several defensive plays since you don’t let the defenders get in that often. That said, there are some general good ideas.

-Don’t forget that you are allowed to lose a lot of tricks.
Even if you can count 7 tricks, you might not want to take them all immediately. Consider this hand.
AUCTION 1D P 1S P 1NT AP
LEAD: H4
Aqj10
K84
104
9875


K9
A732
AJ98
104

Should you take your 7 tricks and go home? Not at all! The lead makes it look like hearts are either 3-3 or 4-2. Sure, you might lose some club tricks, but it’s work making a play in diamonds beforehand. Your heart spots might also offer protection. Play low from dummy and you see the h10. Now what?
Play the s9 over to the 10 (no need to reveal that you have the K yet) and lead the d10. If East plays low, then you’ll also play low. Let’s say West wins and plays the Q of hearts. You can win in dummy and risk another diamond finesse. It’s a 75% chance that you’ll get an extra trick whereas if you only take your tricks, you are unlikely to do well. The opponents might not even be entitled to 4 or 5 club tricks if the suit is blocked.