Defence to BSC 2NT Openings

[Cthulhu D]

I appreciate there is probably no 'easy' defence here, but I realised I have never discussed a defence to my own methods - and these RCO style overcalls are hardly uncommon here so maybe I should. With all my partners we just play a generic defence (First Double = Values, 2nd = Takeout and 3rd = Penalties, bid shape naturally, sometimes they get you), but something more specific might be good.

 

Any advice from the community?

[paulg]

Our generic defence to this sort of opening is:

 

Double = 14+ balanced or any hand too strong to overcall (typically one-suited monster)

3X = natural, good 6+ suit

3NT = to play, source of tricks but rarely solid suit (else double)

4m = Leaping Michaels (5-5, m + major)

 

The other important aspect of the defence is that doubles of pass and correct bids are two-way, either takeout or penalty. The opener can rarely afford to pass such a bid when he does not hold the suit, so it soon becomes clear what the double is likely to be.