Responding to a 2 NT opening

Responding to 2 NTYour partner promises a 20-21 HCP balanced hand. Responding is similar to responding to 1 NT, but your hand may be 4 to 5 points weaker....as the opener has 4 to 5 more points !

1) Without any 4 card major

With less than 4 HCP : PASS
3 NT with 4-5 HCP

S	W	N	E

Exercise E4611 PASS Don't give too much value to your lonely Jacks.

S	W	N	E

Exercise E4622 3 NT The best bet. Your ♦ will be important to make 9 tricks.

2) With 1 (or 2!) 4 card major

With less than 3-4 HCP : PASS
3♣ Stayman with 4 HCP or more

3) With a 5 (or more) card major suit

Jacoby transfer even with 4 points !

4) With a major 6 carder and 5 HCP,

name your suit at level 4

S	W	N	E

Exercise E4618 3 ♣ With a 4 card major and 6 HCP : Stayman.

S	W	N	E

Exercise E4613 3 ♣ With a 5-4 major two suiter : Stayman, not Jacoby.

Jacoby transfer. REMINDER.
With a major 5th, bid the suit right below the one you are interested in. No minimum strength is required for a jacoby transfer.

3 ♦ for ♥
3 ♥ for ♠

On the next round, the opener will complete the transfer and bid 3 ♥ (after 3 ♦) or 3 ♠ (after 3 ♥).
Jacoby transfers allow the nice hand to remain hidden. The opener is the declarer.