thankyou all, interesting replies, i have to say i took 3nt the same way as mr1303, showing @ 20+ points. anyway this is what partner actually had: ♠ 7 6 3 ♥ A 9 5 ♦ AQJ8 ♣ K 9 8 Now what baffled me was partners reply when later i said i didn't understand the 3NT bid, i am in protective seat and bidding your hand? was the reply i think that ops failure to bid over 2H suggested to my partner that south too was weak and therefore i must have a good hand!!