By Peter Rhead
Examples of your responses to the Unusual Two No-Trump
Last week we introduced the Unusual 2NT responses to the opponent’s opening. The Unusual 2NT bid is all about taking advantage of a partnership fit in one or both of two suits when Michaels cannot do the job.
This week we have examples of your hands where you consider which response to use for an Unusual 2NT bid after your right hand opponent opens. You have both the Michaels and Unusual 2NT agreements with your partner.
Case 1:
Spades xxx
Hearts AKxxx
Diamonds AKxxx
Clubs void
Case 1: Your right hand opponent opens One Club. You have a big two-suiter hand. You bid the Unusual 2NT (Michaels would show both majors which you do not have). Your bid shows at least a five-five hand with Hearts and Diamonds (the two lowest unbid suits). You could be weak. Partner will support the best fit. With your strong hand, you will proceed depending on partner’s bid and the vulnerability.
Case 2:
Spades x
Hearts void
Diamonds AQxxxx
Clubs xxxxxx
Case 2: Your right hand opponent opens One Spade. With six-six in the minors, even with your weak hand (less than ten points), you are happy to bid 2NT. Your bid shows at least five-five in the minors and can be weak. Partner will reply his best minor knowing that you are at least five-five in the minors. You have a weak hand so unless partner pushes, you just PASS his bid of one of your minor suits. You have said all you have to say.
Case 3:
Spades void
Hearts KQx
Diamonds xxxxx
Clubs Axxxx
Case 3: Your right hand opponent opens One Spade. You do not have a Michaels bid but you have an Unusual 2NT bid which will tell your partner that you are at least five-five in the minors (the two lowest unbid suits).
For more information, read “Michaels Cuebid” and “Unusual Two-No-Trump” in Barbara Seagram’s 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know, page 127
Next Week: More Examples of Responding to Unusual 2NT
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