Introduction
The 2-NT opening bid is an extension of the 1-NT opening bid. The 2-NT bid differs in the HCP range to which it applies. The responses vary a little, because the bidding starts at the 2-level, but the concepts are about the same.
2 NT bids
2-NT hands should be balanced. all 4 suits should be stopped. The main difference is the range to which the bid applies, and there are 3 ranges that are defined by different bidding methods. This page covers the second 2 NT range. This lesson will cover the opening bid and generic responses.
20-21 HCP Opening Bid
This bid applies if you have 20,21 HCP, a balanced hand and stoppers in 4 suits.
Who is the boss.
Any responder bid is game-forcing. If there is no partial score, the bidding should continue until a game contract is reached.
Reevaluating HCP
The 2 NT range of 20-21 points is small enough that the 10,9 evaluation doesn’t have much use.
Analysis by the Responder
Respond when you have enough points for a game contract. Otherwise pass. Therefore, reevaluate your hand when the opener bids 2 NT when you have 4 HCP to determine if your hand can be upgraded to 5 HCP. After reevaluating your hand make a response if you have 5+ HCP, otherwise pass.
Responses to 2-NT
There are three different types of response to a 2-NT bid. The first is the simple 5-card suit raise. This method is the simplest and easiest to use. The second is the Stayman convention that asks for a 4-card major suit. This method has the advantage of making the 1-NT opener the dealer which keeps the opener’s strong suit hidden from the defenders. The third is the Jacoby transfer that directs the opener to bid a specific suit.
The Stayman convention and the Jacoby convention both have the advantage of making the no trump opener the declarer in all hands, hiding the higher-strength opening hand from the defenders. The 5-card convention has the advantage of simplicity. You can combine the Stayman convention with either of the other two methods or you can choose to use only one.
Most of the point requirements are listed as HCP (High Card Points) when evaluating for a No Trump contract, but some are listed as points (HCP plus distribution points) when evaluating for a trump suit contract.
Each of the three conventions are shown in their simplest form. There are, however, enough options to make them useful in a very large number of hands. The responses to the No Trump bid following the opener’s 1-suit bid and the responder’s response. The specific rules are covered in later lessons.
Generic Responder Bids
These responses apply to all three conventions.
|
pass shows less than 5 HCP. 3-NT shows 5-10 HCP. 4-NT shows 11 HCP, no 5-card suit and is invitational to a small slam. 6-NT shows 12 HCP, no 5-card suit. 7-NT shows 15+ HCP, no 5-card suit. |
Opener Rebids for Generic Responder Bids
These responses apply to all three conventions.
|
In all cases, pass when partner passes. 20 HCP. Reevaluate hand with 10,9 rule. Choose 20 HCP options when no point is added, and 21 HCP options when a point is added. 20 HCP. Pass on the generic responses. 21 HCP. Accept the invitation to a small slam. |
5-Card Suit Responses
The 5-card suit response is simplified because the response is forcing to game. For a full description of the 5-card rule refer to the 1-NT 5-Card Suit Responses lesson. The simplified version augments the generic responses and includes opener’s rebids:
|
3-Major suit shows 6+ points and a 5-card major suit. 3-Minor suit shows 8+ points and a 5-card minor suit. Opener raises partner’s bid to game with 3-card support or bids 3 NT. Responder may raise partner to game with a 6-card suit. |
Stayman Responses
The Stayman response is simplified because the response is forcing to game. For a full description of the Stayman rule refer to the 1-NT Stayman Responses lesson. The simplified version augments the generic responses and includes opener’s rebids:
|
3 ♣ shows 5+ HCP, 6+ points and at least 1 4-card major suit. The opener bids 3 major suit showing a 4-card suit or 3 ♦, denying a 4 -card major. The responder either accepts the suit with a 4-suit, bids 3 NT or passes the opener’s 2 NT bid. |
Jacoby Transfer Responses
The Jacoby Transfer response is simplified because the response is forcing to game. For a full description of Jacoby Transfers refer to the 1-NT Jacoby Transfers lesson. The simplified version augments the generic responses and includes opener’s rebids:
|
3 ♦ shows 5+ HCP, 6+ points and 5 or 6-card ♥ suit. 3 ♥ shows 5+ HCP, 6+ points and 5 or 6-card ♠ suit. Opener makes appropriate transfer to the directed major suit. Responder bids 3 NT with a 5-card major or 4 in the major suit. Opener bids 4 in the major suit with 3-card support or passes. |
A Bidding Example
As dealer, South starts the bidding at 2 NT. How would the bidding proceed using each of the three No Trump conventions?
|
| West ♠ K, 10, 9, 8, 3 ♥ 6, 3 ♦ 8, 7, 3 ♣ A, J, 9 |
East ♠ 5, 4, 2 ♥ A, 9, 2 ♦ J, 5, 4 ♣ 5, 4, 3, 2 |
5-Card Convention
South opens 2-NT with 20 HCP.
North bids 3 ♥ with 7 HCP and 5 ♥.
South bids 4 ♥ with 8-card rule support.
Stayman Convention
South opens 2-NT with 20 HCP.
North bids 3 ♣ with 7 HCP and showing at least 4 in a major suit.
South bids 3 ♦ with no 4-card major.
North bids 3-NT.
Jacoby Transfer Convention
South opens 2-NT with 20 HCP.
North bids 3 ♥ with 7 HCP and 5 ♥.
South bids 4 ♥.
Review Questions
Some questions may have more than one correct answer.
The South hand is dealer and opens 2 NT.
|
| West ♠ K, 10, 6, 2 ♥ Q, 10, 6 ♦ A, 5, 4, 3 ♣ 4, 3 |
East ♠ Q, 9, 4 ♥ 9, 8, 4, 3, 2 ♦ K, 8, 2 ♣ 10, 5 |
Use the North and South hands to answer the next 3 questions.
1. If you play only the 5-card convention, what would be the final bud?
2. What contract should be reached with the Stayman convention?
3. What contract should be reached with the Jacoby convention?
The South hand is dealer and opens 2 NT.
|
| West ♠ J, 8, 7, 2 ♥ 10, 2 ♦ Q, J, 9, 6, 4 ♣ 10, 2 |
East ♠ A, 6, 3 ♥ Q, 7, 5, 3 ♦ K, 7 ♣ 8, 7, 6, 4 |
Use the North and South hands to answer the next 3 questions.
4. What is North’s response using the 5-card suit convention?
5. What contract should be reached with the Stayman convention?
6. How should North respond with the Javoby transfer convention?
If you have any comments or suggestions please send them to peterkonieczko76@gmail.com
♠ ♥ ♦ ♣