2NT response to 2C

[ArtK78]

An issue came up that led to some heated discussion last night.

 

Using a standard structure with a strong, forcing and artificial 2♣ opening bid, what is the best use for a 2NT response?

 

In this case, 2♥ by responder would be negative, and a 2♦ response would be waiting but game forcing. But you don't have to address that, unless there is something that you play (or believe that you should play) that is specific to the use or non-use of the 2♥ negative response.

 

Thanks.

[Zelandakh]

Both 2NT = hearts and transfers (2NT = clubs, 3♣ = diamonds, 3♦ = hearts) are good schemes.

[mikeh]

An issue came up that led to some heated discussion last night.

 

Using a standard structure with a strong, forcing and artificial 2♣ opening bid, what is the best use for a 2NT response?

 

In this case, 2♥ by responder would be negative, and a 2♦ response would be waiting but game forcing. But you don't have to address that, unless there is something that you play (or believe that you should play) that is specific to the use or non-use of the 2♥ negative response.

 

Thanks.

A scheme I learned from Fred G:

 

2N is a positive in a major.

 

Opener bids 3♣ on hands interested in learning the major, or with just clubs, and responder transfers into the major.

 

The downside of having responder declare notrump seems to me of no great significance on these hand types.

 

This allows 2♠ to be used for other purposes....I think Fred uses it as 8-11 balanced, but I am not sure of the exact hcp parameters....and in the partnerships where we play this, we are still refining the developments over the 2♠ response (2N as baron is our current thinking)

[benlessard]

I like standard 2/3 top honnors in a 6 card suit. These are heavy requirement that rarely happen but when these hand happen they are tough hands to bid since they produce 6 tricks vs Hx.

 

So 2S=H, 2Nt = S,3C=D,3D=Clubs,3H = 4S & 6C, 3S=4H & 6 clubs.

[whereagles]

The "2S...3H = transfer" seems like a nice idea. You can play the same the other way around, i.e.

 

2C 2H

??

 

and now 2S...3H = transfer. Responder can fill up the transfer leaving opener with an easy rebid now.

 

To deal more easily with 5S-4H hands I recommend that 2C 3S and 2C-2H-3S show that hand type.

[aguahombre]

IMO, the 2N response should be very, very specific ---and important enough to describe that we are willing to use up opener's room.

 

The only one of the above which would meet that would be the six-card major with 2/3 tops. We have no use for 2NT at present, and have long since discarded the old meaning of balanced with quacks everywhere with no ace or king. Getting out of opener's way on a 2C sequence is important to us.

[TWO4BRIDGE]

I like standard 2/3 top honnors in a 6 card suit. These are heavy requirement that rarely happen but when these hand happen they are tough hands to bid since they produce 6 tricks vs Hx.

 

So 2S=H, 2Nt = S,3C=D,3D=Clubs,3H = 4S & 6C, 3S=4H & 6 clubs.

What about 4 card Major and 6 cards Diam ??

[Trinidad]

With one partner I play that responses of 2♠ to 3♠ show specific two-suiters.

 

Rik