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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:
    • The traditional use is a feature ask, telling the opener to rebid his suit if minimum, an outside feature if maximum, and 3NT if solid and no outside features.
    • If Ogust is used, the bids between 3 and 3NT are artificial, showing the strength and suit quality.

As an overcall[]

  • A 2NT overcall is typically unusual, showing the lowest two unbid suits.

In later bidding[]


Bids

1-1-1-1-1NT
2-2-2-2-2NT
3-3-3-3-3NT
4-4-4-4-4NT
5-5-5-5-5NT
6-6-6-6-6NT
7-7-7-7-7NT

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