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Detail specifications 21OG - Level 2

2NT in response to a weak 2 opening (major)

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2NT in response to a weak 2 opening (major)
A 2NT response is asking for information. It shows an interesting hand with a minimum of 15 HCP. Of course, it's a forcing bid. It is used in case the responder is thinking of :
  • Either a game.
  • Or a slam.

Many players tend to respond 2 NT without any strategy or any good reason. Doing so, they give important information to their opponents....is this necessary ?
SWNE
2
Pass
4
J
9
2
A
Q
3
5
3
A
K
Q
6
3
Exercise 20225 4 Don't hesitate, go to game. You've got 4 tricks, your partner 5....It is reasonable to think you'll get 10 at the end !
 
SWNE
2
Pass
2NT
9
2
J
10
A
Q
J
5
4
A
K
3
2
Exercise 20228 2 NT. You must get more information, as you've got only 3 sure tricks.
 
 
The 2NT relay response may be used with slam ambitions
With a strong hand and slam ambitions, the responder can use the 2NT relay response.
SWNE
2
Pass
2NT
K
Q
7
6
5
Q
J
5
4
A
K
A
K
Exercise 20231 2NT Why not a slam with this interesting hand ? Ask the opener to give more information about his strength.
 
 
The weak 2 opener's rebid after a 2NT relay.
  • Minimum : the opener repeats the suit at level 3
  • With a decent opening : the opener names a high side honor at level 3 ( Ace or K)
  • With a decent hand and a singleton or a void : the opener names it at level 4. This response denies a side high honor.
  • With a strong 6 carder led by the Ace, without any side honor or a singleton : the opener bids 3NT

When the opener names a strength, the auction sequence is game forcing.
SWNE
2
Pass
2NT
Pass
3
A
Q
10
9
6
3
R
4
7
5
3
10
9
Exercise 20235 3 Now the sequence is game forcing (the opener has named a strength)
 
SWNE
2
Pass
2NT
Pass
4
7
6
5
A
K
J
9
8
4
8
9
8
7
Exercise 20236 The opener has shown a singleton (or void). The responder will close to game or continue with slam ambitions.
 
 
The responder's rebid after the opener's encouraging bid
After the opener's positive rebid, a level 3 support is very positive, and forcing. The responder is showing slam ambitions.
SWNE
2
Pass
2NT
Pass
3
Pass
3
Pass
4
8
5
2
K
Q
10
9
8
4
8
A
8
7
Exercise 20240 The responder has made a support bid at level 3 (3). Now, the opener shows his short (He can't hold 2 honors beside his 6 carder).
 
SWNE
2
Pass
2NT
Pass
4
5
K
Q
J
9
8
4
Q
J
8
9
8
7
Exercise 20238 Pay attention ! 4 shows a short suit...A 4 bid would prevent the declarer to play 4, indeed !