Difference between revisions of "User:Brian/Bridge/Responding to a 2NT opening"

Revision as of 09:03, 8 June 2017

Unlike 1NT openings, 2NT openings do not require the opener's partner to announce the HCP range. Most partnerships play 2NT as 20 to 21 HCP, balanced, while those that deviate do so only by a small amount (e.g., 20 to 22). Subsequent bidding after 2NT is similar to subsequent bidding after 1NT, but due to a lack of space, some sequences are not possible. Also, the strength needed is less; 5 points opposite a 2NT opening is game-forcing.

With less than game-forcing strength

I have one 5+-card major → Transfer to the major, then pass.

I have 5+ cards in both majors → Transfer to the better major, then pass.

Otherwise → Pass.

Note that the 1NT invitational sequences are not possible with a 2NT opening since any response to 2NT necessarily anticipates possibly landing in 3NT if suit agreement is not reached. Thus, game-forcing strength is required for any sequence other than transferring and passing.

With game-forcing strength

I have a 6+-card major → Make a Texas transfer and pass.

I have 5-5 in the majors → Transfer to the better major, then continue as though you had only one 5-card major (next paragraph).

I have one 5-card major → Transfer to the major.

• If partner accepts normally, rebid 3NT. Partner will pass or sign off in 4 of the major.
• If partner superaccepts, you are already in game. Pass.

I have 5-4 in the majors → Bid 3♣, Stayman.

• If partner responds 3 of a major, sign off by jumping to the 4 level.
• If partner responds 3♦, make a Smolen transfer. Partner will sign off in 3NT or 4 of your 5-card major.

I have at least one 4-card major → Bid 3♣, Stayman.

• If partner responds 3♦, denying a 4-card major, sign off in 3NT.
• If partner responds 3 of your major, sign off by raising to the 4 level.
• If partner responds 3♥ and you have 4 spades and 3- hearts, rebid 3NT. Partner will pass or sign off in 4♠.
• If partner responds 3♠ and you have 4 hearts and 3- spades, rebid 3NT. Partner will pass.

With slam-try or greater strength

I have no 5-card or longer major, or I don't care about finding a trump fit → Make a quantitative raise.

I have a 6+-card major → Make a Texas transfer to your suit, then initiate control bidding or bid 4NT, Blackwood.

I have 5-5 in the majors → Transfer to the better major, then continue as though you had only one 5-card major (next paragraph).

I have one 5-card major and 3 or fewer of the other major → Transfer to the 5-card major.

• If partner accepts normally, make a quantitative raise. Partner may sign off in either notrump or your suit.
• If partner superaccepts, initiate control bidding or bid 4NT, Blackwood.

Otherwise (I have 5-4 in the majors) → Bid 3♣, Stayman.

• If partner responds 3 of a major, initiate control bidding or bid 4NT, Blackwood.
• If partner responds 3♦, make a Smolen transfer.

• If partner responds 3NT, make a quantitative raise.
• If partner responds 4 of your 5-card major, initiate control bidding or bid 4NT, Blackwood.