Chapter 13

2NT System

Card:

New with Radu 11/1/25. After post-2NT Jacoby transfers:

3M: denies 3

3NT: shows 3 (can retransfer)

4x: 4, control in x, missing control somewhere

4M: 4 max with control bids everywhere

Basically bidding 1st control

  • After Stayman fit: oM is slam try
  • H&S:
  • 55 Game only: Txfr to S, then 4, pass/correct
  • 55 Slam interest: Txfr to H, then 3, flag bids (CD for HS good hand, HS bad hand to play)
  • (5/4) Smolen
  • S&C slam tries (cheaper for major flags):
  • 45+: Stayman then C (3-3-4) -- 4 sets S, 4 sets C, 4/4N/5 to play
  • 54+: Txfr to S then C (3-3-4) slam interest -- 4 sets spades, 4 sets C, 4/4N/5 to play
  • S&D slam tries (cheaper for major flags):
  • 45+: Stayman then D (3-3-4) – 4 sets S, 5 sets D, 4/4N/5 to play
  • H&C/D slam tries (cheaper for major flags):
  • 45+: Stayman then C/D (3-3-4/D): Can’t have M fit. All bids other than 4NT and 5m are positive in support of responder’s minor. Redwood applies (after controls, 4NT is control for redwood suit).
  • 54+: H&C (3-3-4) -- 4 sets hearts, 4 sets C, 4/4N/5 to play
  • 54+: H&D (3-3-4) -- 4 for H (so then 4NT can be RKC), 5 for D, 4/4NT/5 to play
  • Diamond slam Try: (3-3-4):4 (redwood), 4/5 (control), 4NT/5 (to play)
  • 3 then Opener must relay to 3NT
  • 4: Flip (other minor) slam tries + 1st/RKC: 4: 6+D, 4 6+C
  • 1st step rejects, 2nd-5th are RKC responses, over 4 reject with 2 w/o Q (no room)
  • After reject: next step re-asks RKC anyway, other bids are 4N/5m to play or control bids
  • 4: Both minors slam try, splinter
  • 2NT-3-3NT-4: 4NT to play, 5m to play
  • 2NT-3-3NT-4: 4NT to play, 5m to play, 4 tell me which one
  • 4N Quant w/ both minors
  • New March 2026: (2NT) … X is penalty, 3 is majors