Unusual 2NT

The Unusual 2NT is a forcing bid (if the next opponent passes). Partner is asked to bid one of the two suits advertised.

The Unusual 2NT works well in conjunction with the Michaels cue bid, which is another convention for two-suited overcalls.

Unusual 2NT Overcalls

At the one-level:

• A 2NT overcall of 1 shows 5+ diamonds and 5+ hearts.

• A 2NT overcall of 1 shows 5+ clubs and 5+ hearts.

• A 2NT overcall of 1 shows 5+ clubs and 5+ diamonds.

• A 2NT overcall of 1 shows 5+ clubs and 5+ diamonds.

A 2NT overcall of artificial opening bids such as a Precision 1 also needs to be defined by partnership agreement.

Note also that the Unusual 2NT is possible if both opponents have bid at the one-level:

Opponent 1   1

Partner   Pass

Opponent 2   1

Overcaller   2NT

2NT shows 5+ clubs and 5+ diamonds. Note that this is an overlap with the Michaels cue bid here - a 2 overcall would also show 5+ clubs and 5+ diamonds. Also, note that the overcaller could alternatively make a takeout double, which would imply lesser shape and at least ~12 HCP.

Opponent 1   1

Partner   Pass

Opponent 2   1NT

Overcaller   2NT

2NT shows 5+ diamonds and 5+ hearts.

At the two-level:

The same principles apply if both opponents have bid up to the two-level:

Opponent 1   1

Partner   Pass

Opponent 2   2

Overcaller   2NT

2NT shows 5+ diamonds and 5+ hearts.

Opponent 1   1

Partner   Pass

Opponent 2   2

Overcaller   2NT

2NT shows 5+ clubs and 5+ spades. Be careful after an opposing 2-over-1 sequence. The opponents have announced that they have the majority of points, so an Unusual 2NT overcall typically promises extra length or strength, especially at equal or unfavorable vulnerability.

Opponent 1   2 (strong)

Overcaller   2NT

Over any natural, constructive two-bid by the opponents, a 2NT overcall is Unusual. Here, 2NT shows 5+ clubs and 5+ diamonds.

Opponent 1   2 (Precision)

Overcaller   2NT

In the Precision bidding system, an opening 2 bid shows 6+ clubs and 11-15 HCP. It therefore fits the definition of "a natural, constructive two-bid", so a 2NT overcall is the Unusual 2NT, showing 5+ diamonds and 5+ hearts.

Opponent 1   2 (weak)

Overcaller   2NT

This is not the Unusual 2NT, because 2 is preemptive, not constructive. 2NT shows a balanced, natural ~16-19 HCP.

Partner's Responses

• Partner usually corrects to the suit that he has the most tolerance for. With equal length in both suits, especially with two doubletons, he bids the cheapest suit.

  General Note: When responding to the Unusual 2NT with equal length in both advertised suits, bid the cheapest suit first, especially when holding only two doubletons. If partner shows clubs and diamonds and you hold 1Kx 1xx, do not make the mistake of bidding diamonds, thinking that your king will make diamondsa better trump suit. If you get doubled in 3, there is no turning back, whereas if you bid 3, you can run to diamondsif necessary.

• If partner has a weak hand with at least four-card support, he can consider making a preemptive jump bid, like this:

  Opponent 1   1

  Overcaller   2NT

  Opponent 2   Pass

  Partner   4

  4 is preemptive and non-forcing, promising at least four clubs.

• With a good hand, partner can cue bid the opponents' suit. This typically shows support for at least one of partner's suits, and interest in game or slam. A cue bid is forcing for one round and asks the 2NT bidder to bid his cheapest suit at the cheapest level with a weak hand (around 0-10 points), or to make any other bid with a "fair" hand (around 10+ points).

• If by chance partner bids the fourth suit, i.e. the suit not bid by the opponents or shown by partner, that bid is natural and nonforcing, showing a very good suit (usually 6+ cards), a decent hand, and no support for either of the 2NT bidder's suits.

Rebids by the 2NT bidder

Raises are natural and non-forcing. All other bids show a very good hand (in terms of points and/or shape) but, with the exception of a cue bid, are non-forcing.