224
Responding to a Strong 2NT
This section does not deal with Slam, Grand Slam Bidding or Ace asking - these are
covered in later lessons.
Overview
Responding to 2NT is similar to responding to other NoTrump opening bids. You will need to discuss with your partner if you are plating Stayman and transfers after a 2NT opening. Your partner shows 20-22 HCP so 5 HCP is enough for game in No Trumps, and 4 TP is enough for a game in a suit.- Bid 3NT directly with a balanced hand;
- Bid 4♠ or 4 ♥ directly with a 6-card major
- Bid 3 ♥or 3♠ with a 5-card major.
- With 12+ points you will want to bid to slam - Ace ask using either Gerber, Blackwood or Cue Bidding conventions
Members only
Practise Acol bidding free
30 days free — no card required
Hand 1.
Hand 2.
Hand 3.
Exercise: Your partner Opens 2NT, what do you respond with the following hands?
Hand 1.
Your Hand
♠ Q 5 4 3
♥ K 4 3
♦ 3 2
♣ J 5 4 3
♠ Q 5 4 3
♥ K 4 3
♦ 3 2
♣ J 5 4 3
Your Bid
Answer: 3NT. You have 6 HCP's so you should bid game directly.
Answer: 3NT. You have 6 HCP's so you should bid game directly.
Hand 2.
Your Hand
♠ A 9 8 7 6
♥ K 8 7
♦ 8
♣ J 7 6 4
♠ A 9 8 7 6
♥ K 8 7
♦ 8
♣ J 7 6 4
Your Bid
Answer: 3 ♠ Shows your partner your 5 card major suit AND that you have more than 7 TP
Answer: 3 ♠ Shows your partner your 5 card major suit AND that you have more than 7 TP
Hand 3.
Members only
Practise Acol bidding free
30 days free — no card required
Try it yourself — respond to 2NT
Members only
Practise Acol bidding free
30 days free — no card required
Your Hand
- ♠ A 8 4
- ♥Q J 10 874
- ♦ 10 7
- ♣ J 4
Answer: Bid 4♥ to show your 6 card heart suit and not enough points to go on bidding for a slam. Bidding game is a shutout, discouraging partner from bidding more, it tells partner you have just enough points for game