Baron 2NT (Two No-Trump)

When partner opens one of a suit, the Baron 2NT response shows a strong balanced hand. It denies a 5-card suit or 4-card support for partner. Some players use Baron as 16-18 HCP. Others prefer it to be 16+. Either way, it encourages the partnership to locate a 4-4 fit without bypassing 3NT.

As a corollary, a 3NT response shows 13-15 HCP. Thus the natural meanings of 2NT and 3NT are inverted to facilitate slam exploration at the 3-level.

Rebid	Meaning
Any new suit	Natural, 4+ cards (up the line) with slam interest.
Suit rebid at the 3-level	Natural, 6+ cards.
3NT	A balanced minimum. May have a 4-card major.

		Opener			Responder
		AK843			Q2
		A93			KQ5
		J5			A862
		T98			AQ53
		Opener 1 3NT (2)			Responder 2NT (1) Pass

1. Baron 2NT
2. Showing a minimum

		Opener			Responder
		A943			KQ65
		AQ43			KJT
		5			A87
		AT42			KQ5
		Opener 1 3 (2) 4 5 (4) Pass			Responder 2NT (1) 3 4NT (3) 7

1. Baron 2NT
2. Bidding 4-card suits up the line with slam interest
3. 1430 Roman Key Card Blackwood with a maximum
4. 3 key cards