Main

Detail specifications 117B - Level 3 ★

2NT opening bid (advanced players)

For a 2NT Opening bid, you usually need :

20-21 H
and a balanced hand (no 5 card major suit, no singleton, no void)

But sometimes you'll bid 2NT with :

a major 5 carder
a minor two-suiter
or with 19H !

S	W	N	E

Problem E1815 Open 2NT with this poor major 5 carder

S	W	N	E

Problem E1818 Reassess a 6322 hand. And consider it as a balanced hand if :
- the 6 carder is a minor suit,
- your major suits are well protected

2NT opening bid with a 5 card major and 20-21H
With a 20-21H hand, you'll bid 2NT if

your 5 card major is poor in honors
and your doubletons a correctly protected

You may also open 2NT with a decent 5 card major but scattered honors !

S	W	N	E

Problem E1816 2NT with a balanced hand 5422 if your doubletons are holding and your major suit is poor in honors....

S	W	N	E

Problem E1814 With a 5332 distribution and 20-21H, don't hesitate to bid 2NT if your honors are scattered in all the suits

2NT opening bid with a 20-21H two suiter
Opening 2NT with a 5422 hand (5 and 4 are the minor suits) is worth it if your doubletons are seriously holding. It is very important if you have honors you need to protect. If you open with a minor suit bid, your partner might become the declarer and therefore your honors might be in danger.

S	W	N	E

Problem E1819 Some minor two-suiters deserve a 2NT opening bid

2NT opening bid with 19H

As usual, assess the actual strength of your hand. Counting the honors points is not enough ! Some 18-19 H hands will make more tricks than others holding 21H !

S	W	N	E

Problem E1818 Those 19 H are worth at least 20 !

Back to the summary

Main

Detail specifications 117B - Level 3 ★

2NT opening bid (advanced players)

Footer