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.
Opener's Rebids
- Opener rebids 3NT with a balanced minimum. She may have a 4-card major.
- Opener rebids a new 4-card suit (up the line) with slam interest.
- Opener rebids her 6+ card suit.
Examples
| Opener | Responder | ||||
 AK843 | Q2 | ||||
 A93 | KQ5 | ||||
 J5 | A862 | ||||
 T98 | AQ53 | ||||
Opener 1 3NT (2) |
Responder 2NT (1) Pass |
- Baron 2NT
- 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 |
- Baron 2NT
- Bidding 4-card suits up the line with slam interest
- 1430 Roman Key Card Blackwood with a maximum
- 3 key cards