Friday, October 13, 2006 5:14 PM

Hand Evaluation – Systemic ( 2NT’s)

PITBULLS:

The meaning of a word in the English language sometimes is defined by how it is used in a sentence. In the game of Bridge, the meaning of a bid quite often is determined via the context of the auction. The most common “depending on context” bids in Bridge are the Q bid, 4NT , the double & 2NT. It is impossible to define these bids without hearing the bidding first.

Let’s discuss the much maligned 2NT bid. It can be unusual showing two suits, showing the minors, Good-bad 2NT ( Lebensohl ) & scrambling over a double. The 2NT bid can be natural & invitational , a godfather “new suit” forcing one round ( 4^th suit forcing ) , an 18-19 HCP hand , a NT range hand after a 2 level overcall , a flat 20-21 if used as an opening bid , 13-15 game forcing if used by responder or a strong fit major fit ( Jacoby 2NT ) . How do you know the difference ? The context of the bidding is the only way.

The “good-bad “ 2NT give people problems. This bid is narrowly defined & is only used when the opponents bidding in the “sandwich position” prevent you from jumping to the 3 level to invite. Scrambling 2NT is used in conjunction with partners T/O or penalty double. You are scrambling to the best spot. The scrambling 2NT is how you bid flat hands without a 5 card suit. You scramble to your lowest ranking 4 card suit & partner does the same until your fit is found.

When is 2NT natural ? The context of the auction for natural 2NT bids is where the opponents have made a weak bid. . They are trying to con you out of your rightful contract thru acts of terrorism , so the 2NT bid becomes natural. The most obvious examples are when the opponents have made weak bids such as weak jump overcalls , weak jump shifts , weak 2’s and 3 level pre-empts. When they announce weakness to the table, your 2NT bid becomes natural. Artificial 2NT bids are the reverse process. The opponents have announced strength, so your 2NT bid cannot be natural or you choose a bid like double or pass.

Steve Willard held ♠xxxxx ♥Jxxx ♦x ♣xxx , Fowlie opened 1♦ & I passed. Willard paid his card fees so he is not allowed to pass so he bid 2♠ on the above collection. Quoting the Bridge philosopher Susan Culham , you sometimes must fight terrorism when it rears its head. Susan held ♠AKJ ♥K10xxx ♦xx ♣Axx so she bids 2NT. You do not pre-empt with a 2NT bid vrs a pre-empt ( weak jump shift ) so the context of the auctions deems the 2NT bid not to be a toy. If you can describe your distribution & HCP’s in one bid in competition, it is best to do it. Susan’s hand is flawed as she does not have a diamond stopper. I would still bid 2NT though as at least the balanced hand with the specific HCP range is described. If no adverse bidding , she would have opened the hand 1NT. The alternatives of passing or 3♥ are dangerous as they could re-pre-empt or you could go for a number in 3♥X. A descriptive bid of 2NT gets your side off to the best start. The fact that they pre-empted , defines your bid.

The opponents bidding can alter your plans to make a 2NT rebid as opener. If you have a gilt edged 18-19 & they interfere in the balancing spot with a double, bidding 2NT just rescues them from disaster sometimes. With the appropriate hand & vulnerability , I prefer to pass & start wielding the axe. The redouble is usually support , so the pass is the weapon of choice. Over a double , a 2NT bid quite often is based on “playability. You have the HCP range but your hand is suited for offense ( 6 card suit ? ) rather than defense.

“Depending on context” for 2NT bids in competition – do not leave home & come to the Bridge club without it !!