Responding to 2NT

Here is your hand:
♠QJ52
♥J92
♦KT52
♣82

Partner is Dealer and has opened the bidding 2NT. You have agreed that opening 2NT shows:
20 or 21 HCP
A balanced hand so

• No void
• No singleton
• Not more than one doubleton

The opponents Pass throughout the auction.

You have agreed that you will play both Stayman and Jacoby Transfers over all NT openings.

It is now your turn. What will you bid?

Show Answer

Bid 3♣ which should now be Stayman asking Partner for a four card major.

If Partner responds either 3♦ or 3♥ you can now bid 3NT.

If Partner responds 3♠ you can now bid 4♠.

A player I was kibitzing just bid 3NT because she thought she needed 8 HCP in order to bid Stayman.

This is true if Partner opens the bidding 1NT showing 15-17 HCP. You need 8 HCP in order to bid Stayman in that situation because you need at least 8 HCP in order to invite game.

When Partner opens 2NT they have more points. Therefore you can bid Stayman with fewer points. Over 2NT, if you have the values to bid again to get the partnership to game, you have the values to bid Stayman. So if you have 5 HCP you are now allowed to bid Stayman. You may get to a better contract if you do.