Lesson 2 -- The 2NT Opening and Responses

Well, since we've dealt with the 1NT bid, we'll add the 2NT bid next. The 2NT opening shows 21-22 HCP and a balanced hand. Most of the responses are quite similiar to the 1NT, but the point ranges have been shifted.

Signoff hands

Hands with 0-2 HCP signoff either by passing 2NT or bidding 3D, 3H or 3S with a 5+ card suit.

Stronger Hands

Any hand with 4 points will be in game. Note that hands with 3 points should be invitational...but there isn't room to invite. So a hand with 3 points should either consider itself a signoff or stronger depending on the hand evaluation. As with 1NT, a 3C bid is STAYMAN, asking for a four card major. Except that there isn't room to invite. See the summary.

What to do with 19-20 HCP and a balanced hand?

You are too strong for a 1NT and too weak for a 2NT opening. The answer is the 1 and a half NT. You simply open 1 of your longer minor suit (at least 3 cards), then jump in NT after partner's bid. This will be discussed more during lesson 5 (Minor Suit openings).

SUMMARY

A 2NT Opening bid shows 21-22HCP and balanced distribution

2NT -
- Pass: 0-2 HCP, no long suit.
- 3D, 3H, 3S: 0-2 HCP, 5+ card suit
- 3NT: 4-9 HCP, no four card major.
- 4C: GERBER, Ace Asking
  - 4D: 0-4 Aces
  - 4H: 1 Ace
  - 4S: 2 Aces
  - 4N: 3 Aces
- 4H, 4S: 0-3 HCP, 6+ Card suit. Partner is expected to bid 6NT with a maximum opener and pass with a minimum.
- 6NT: 10-14 HCP. No four card major. Ends auction.
- 7NT: 15+ HCP. No four card major.
- 3C: STAYMAN, Usually 4+ HCP with a four card major, but occasionaly 0-2 HCP with 6+ Clubs.
  - 3S: A four (or five) card spade suit.
  - 3H: A four (or five) card heart suit.
  - 3D: Has less than 4 spades or 4 hearts.
    - 4C: Weak hand with 6+ Clubs.
    - 3NT, 6NT, 7NT, The same as if STAYMAN hadn't been bid, however responder has a four card major that openere doesn't have.
    - 4 of opener's major suit response: 4+ cards in that major.
    - 5 of opener's major suit response: slam invitational.

Final Note

Players who use 1NT to show 15-17 HCP usually use 2NT to show 20-21.

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