Jacoby 2NT (Two No-Trump)

The Jacoby 2NT convention is an artificial, game-forcing response to a 1 or 1 opening bid. The 2NT response shows 4+ trump support with 13+ points. It asks partner to describe her hand further so that slam prospects can be judged accordingly.

Jacoby 2NT is intended for use in 5-card major systems that employ limit raises for game invitations. Thus, Jacoby 2NT fills the need for a game-forcing raise with unlimited strength. It doesn't come up often, but is precious in its role.

After the auction begins 1/ : 2NT, opener's rebids are as follows.

Opener's Rebid	Meaning
3	Singleton or void in clubs.
3	Singleton or void in diamonds.
3	If are trumps, then this rebid shows 17+ points and interest in slam. It asks responder to describe his hand further. If are trumps, then this shows a singleton or void in hearts.
3	If are trumps, then this rebid shows 17+ points and interest in slam. It asks responder to describe his hand further. If are trumps, then this shows a singleton or void in spades.
3NT	Good 13-15 points, balanced, no singleton/void.
4	5+ clubs.
4	5+ diamonds.
4	If are trumps, then this rebid shows a minimum hand (11-14 points) and is a signoff bid. If are trumps, then this shows 5+ hearts.
4	If are trumps, then this rebid shows a minimum hand (11-14 points) and is a signoff bid.

Note: Showing a 5-card side suit has priority over showing a singleton or void.

• After any 3-level rebid by opener, responder can bid any suit (besides the agreed trump suit) to show a first-round control - i.e. an ace or void.
• After ANY rebid by opener, 4NT is Blackwood (or Roman Key Card Blackwood).

		Opener			Responder
		AK843			QJ52
		A932			KQ
		J			A862
		T98			Q53
		Opener 1 (1) 3 (3) 4 (5) Pass (7)			Responder 2NT (2) 4 (4) 4 (6)

1. 1 shows 12+ points and 5+ spades
2. 2NT shows 13+ points and 4+ spades - game forcing!
3. 3 shows a diamond singleton or void
4. 4 shows first-round diamond control
5. 4 shows first-round heart control
6. 4 shows a willingness to stop in game, and implies the club suit as a concern. With a club ace or void, responder would have bid 4 instead of 4.
7. Pass shows that opener does not have anything extra to show, and is satisified with game.

Jacoby 2NT is off in competition. After interference over opener's 1/, a 2NT bid by responder is commonly used as a limit raise (the Jordan 2NT convention).

The Jacoby 2NT convention is named for its American inventor Oswald Jacoby. See also Jacoby Transfers.