M J Bridge
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Responder root page
Bidding
Beginner and above
The natural limit response of 2NT as outlined under ‘the traditional approach’ will serve you well up to a good standard.
Do not feel that there is any rush to move forward from this agreement.
However I will take this opportunity to repeat the guidance that this simple natural response should not be used primarily as a means of showing the strength -
2NT support bid
Facing partner’s opening of one of a major an immediate response of 2NT is best used as a support bid.
This option is all but unknown in the uncontested auction when facing a minor suit opening. I would suggest that you should choose between the traditional approach and the Baron 2NT below when you wish to move on.
Post intermediate and above
Baron 2NT
On the tournament circuit the ‘Baron 2NT’ will frequently be encountered.
Using basic Acol responses it can be extremely difficult to show a balanced hand with a slam interest facing a minor suit opening.
The Baron 2NT response provides a solution to the problem.
There are minor variations in its implementation, but the common ground is that it will promise a balanced hand of at least sixteen points and will be forcing to game with at least something of a slam interest.
In some agreements the response will be on a limited range -
In the version which follows the bid might be made on any hand of sixteen or more points.
The particular strength of the convention is that it creates the space in which to search for a suit fit below the level of 3NT whilst maintaining a forcing auction.
Typically opener will reply by bidding four-
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K 6 4
A 9 4 2
K 5
A K 7 2
Partner opened 1♣.
Bid 2NT (Baron) to create a game-
If a heart fit exists it will come to light on the next round of bidding.
Not in common use
Note that the natural meaning of an immediate 2NT response will be lost.
If you happen to hold the balanced hand with ten to twelve points you will usually be able to make a natural change of suit response in the first instance. Your rebid of 2NT will still show the traditional strength.
Without a natural change of suit available you will either have to take all such hands by way of a natural limit raise to three of partner’s minor, which shows the strength but gives a distorted picture of what must inevitably be a 4-
Two possibilities are included in the following pages -
This page last revised 13th Aug 2020
Context -
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
Opener's rebid |
Overcaller's rebid and beyond |
Responder's rebid and beyond |
The continuing auction |