Two notrump (2NT) is a bid in bridge which specifies a contract for the partnership to take 8 tricks without a trump suit. It's a partscore contract in duplicate bridge, but becomes a game contract when doubled or redoubled.
As an opening[]
- 2NT opening typically shows about 20-21/22 points and a balanced hand, promising a stopper in each suit.
As a response[]
As a response to a 1-level major suit opening[]
- 2NT over one of a major is most often Jacoby 2NT, a game-forcing suit raise asking opener to clarify shape.
- If RHO doubled partner's major suit opening for takeout, then 2NT is usually Truscott 2NT (a.k.a. Jordan), showing a limit raise of opener's suit.
- In a natural system, 2NT shows 10-12 points and invitational to 3NT.
As a response to a 1-level minor suit opening[]
- After RHO doubles for takeout, if playing Truscott 2NT, 2NT is natural but requires a fit.
- In a natural system, 2NT now commonly shows 10-12 points and invitational to 3NT. (In the original Standard American system, it showed 13-15 points and is game forcing)
As a response to 1NT[]
- The natural meaning of 1NT-2NT is to invite 3NT.
- 1NT-2NT may be a transfer to a minor suit. In such cases, an invite to 3NT must go through Stayman first
As a response to a 2-level opening[]
- After a strong 2♣ opening, the traditional meaning of 2NT is a positive balanced response showing 8+ points. It's absolutely game forcing.
- If step responses are used, it shows 10+ HCPs or 4+ controls, with A counts as 2 and K counts as 1, which is slam forcing.
- After a strong two bid opening, 2NT is the only negative response.
- After a weak two bid opening, 2NT is an artificial forcing response:
As an overcall[]
- A 2NT overcall is typically unusual, showing the lowest two unbid suits.
In later bidding[]
- A jump rebid to 2NT, after a 1/1 response, shows 18-19 points (or, more than 1NT opening but fewer than 2NT opening).
- A nonjump rebid to 2NT, after a 2/1 response shows 13-14 points (or, less than 1NT opening).
Bids |
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1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠-1NT |