2 NT Response

The 2 Notrump Response

A Precise Conventional Call. A direct call of 2NT over one of a major is a conventional call, signifying exactly two trump and a balanced, 12-15 point hand. (With only one or no trump, there is a 5+ card suit to bid at the two level, making it a Two Over One game forcing sequence, not a Forcing 1 Notrump sequence.)

Opener is usually forced to bid Three Notrump with a minimum hand, but can try for slam with a maximum. The problem is the lack of an agreed trump suit. Do not make this call with the other major - find a Two Over One bid somewhere if there is any possibility of a slam.

But It Can Be A Killer. 2NT is known in competitive circles as a "slam killer" because it's difficult to reach a slam after this call.

N

E

S

1ª

P

2NT*

A major opening and 2NT conventional response.

3NT

P

P

The NT game accepted.

North

South

ª AKxxx

ª xx

© xxx

© AKJx

¨ AKx

¨ Jxx

§ xx

§ QJxx

N

E

S

1ª

P

2NT*

A major opening and 2NT response.

3NT

P

P

The NT game accepted, but 6 Hearts is a good shot. South should have bid 2 Clubs, even though it's a weak 4 card suit, in order not to lose the Heart fit.

North

South

ª AKxxx

ª xx

© xxxx

© AKJx

¨ AK

¨ Jxx

§ Kx

§ QJxx

N	E	S
1ª	P	2NT*	A major opening and 2NT conventional response.
3NT	P	P	The NT game accepted.

North	South
ª AKxxx	ª xx
© xxx	© AKJx
¨ AKx	¨ Jxx
§ xx	§ QJxx

N	E	S
1ª	P	2NT*	A major opening and 2NT response.
3NT	P	P	The NT game accepted, but 6 Hearts is a good shot. South should have bid 2 Clubs, even though it's a weak 4 card suit, in order not to lose the Heart fit.

North	South
ª AKxxx	ª xx
© xxxx	© AKJx
¨ AK	¨ Jxx
§ Kx	§ QJxx