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The Baron convention


Note that this convention should not be confused with ‘the Baron 2NT’ which is a conventional response to partner’s opening one of a suit.


This method is an alternative to Stayman - you cannot play them both.


It is the traditional method facing a natural strong 2NT, and, if adopted, should also be used following an artificial sequence to 2NT.


Quite simply, in response to partner’s opening bid of 2NT a response of 3♣ requests partner to bid four-card suits in ascending order, or to bid 3NT if clubs is his only four-card suit.

Opener’s rebid

Opener’s first bid

♠

♥

♦

♣

K T 9 6

9 3

J T 7 5

Q 6 2

Partner opened 2NT.

Bid 3♣.

If partner bids 3♦ or 3♥ you will bid 3♠ on the way to 3NT.


This convention more or less solves the problem of locating a minor-suit fit.

Some will choose to combine it with either ‘minor-suit Stayman’ or ‘3♠ as a puppet to 3NT’.

You may well opt to define meanings for immediate responses of a new suit at the four-level at the same time.


The downsides are that it becomes considerably more difficult to locate a five-card major in opener’s hand,

and if you use one of the 3♠ conventions there will also be added complication in showing the responding hand with five spades and four hearts.


My choice is five-card Stayman, but if you choose to follow the ‘Baron’ route you will be in excellent company.

Intermediate and above

Context  -  Acol bidding - responder’s first bid - partner opened 2NT (strong) - advanced methods.

This page last revised 12th Aug 2019