In Standard American play, 2NT overcall after level 2 pre-emptive bid is natural and it follows strong NT protocol as usual. But 2NT overcall after opponent’s level 1 bid is Artificial. It shows 5+ cards each, in two lowest unbid suits.
- On opponent’s 1!c we overcall 2NT when we have 5 !d and 5 !h in our hand.
- On opponent’s 1!d we overcall 2NT saying I have 5 !c and 5 !h
- On opponent’s 1!h or 1!s we overcall 2NT saying I have 5 !c and 5 !d
- 2NT cannot be used when hand has 5+ cards of !s as one of the two suits. You will use Michael’s Cue bid instead.
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass | Pass | 1!s | 2NT |
Remember Unusual NT is for MINORS, meant to show 5+ cards two suited hand with at least one 5+ cards minor.
Unusual 2NT can be used by advancer over opening suit and 1NT subsequent response when overcaller has passed. e.g. 1!d-pass-1NT-2NT.
Responder’s action over unUsual 2NT overcall
Unusual vs Unusual is the term used in defining defense against Unusual 2NT.
After unusual 2NT overcall, the responder’s 2 over 1 game forcing flexibility is blocked. So the artificial alerts for next bid are:
- 3!C- Game forcing without FIT. Only when opening bid is a Major. 13+ points and 5+ cards in other Major.
- 3!d-Only when opening bid is a Major. 3+ card FIT and 10+ points invitational hand.
- 3!h-over 1!h opening, sign off with FIT and weak hand. Over 1!s, shows 5+ cards but a hand with 6-12 points (a hand which cannot be game forced with 3!c). Non forcing.
- 3!s-over 1!s opening, sign off with FIT and weak hand. Over 1!h, shows 5+ cards but a hand with 6-12 points (a hand which cannot be game forced with 3!c). Non forcing.
- Double-Is lead directing or penalty. Shows high cards in atleast one of overcalled two suits. Doesn’t mean negative double. Avoid using double as it’s use is not very appropriate for unusual 2NT alert.
Notes:
- Keep in mind Unusual 2NT is an Overcall which can start as low as 8+ HCP. Therefore, many times these hands are weak. Generally, it is left to advancer’s wisdom for further action.
- Unusual 2NT can also be used from advancer seat when opener bids a Major and responder bids the same Major at level 2 to confirm a FIT with 6-9 points weak hand. Here, 2NT of advancer will show 5+ cards in any two of the other 3 suits without insisting on the lowest unbid suit.
- The partner of the advancer will bid 3!c. Advancer in his next bid can correct to 3!d if !c suit is not intended.
- In rare cases, overcaller may have a 20+ balanced hand where 2NT bid was more appropriate (Just like 1NT overcall when 15-18 HCP). Overcaller should double in first bid as his hand is 17+ strong and takeout double is mandated for such hands. 2NT in this case will be second bid.
Sunil Khanna 