Unusual vs. Unusual

Unusual vs. Unusual is a defense against the Unusual Notrump.. It is used after partner opens the bidding and the opponents overcall 2NT to show the lowest two unbid suits. For simplicity, the following description uses examples when partner opens 1 or 1 and the opponents overcall 2NT. However, Unusual vs. Unusual should also be used when partner opens 1 or 1.

Conventional responses after 1/ (2NT) :

Response	Meaning
Double	Natural with interest in penalizing the opponents in one of their suits.
3	A game-forcing hand in the unbid major (hearts if partner bid spades, and vice-versa). Forcing.
3	A limit raise or better in partner's suit. Forcing.
3	A constructive raise (7-10 points) opposite a 1 opening. A natural non-forcing bid opposite a 1 opening.
3	A constructive raise (7-10 points) opposite a 1 opening. A natural non-forcing bid opposite a 1 opening.

Below are the responses in greater detail.

The Double

Natural with interest in penalizing the opponents in one of their suits. Shows about 7+ points, and typically a balanced hand. Denies 3-card support. Note that this gives up the ability to play negative doubles in this situation.

		North			South
		K4			AJT2
		AQT92			86
		A752			J43
		43			KJT9
	West     Pass	North     1		East     2NT (1)	South     Dbl (2)

1. Unusual, showing at least 5 clubs and 5 diamonds.
2. Double shows an interest in penalizing the opponents in either suit (in this case, clubs).

The 3 Response

Artificial. A game-forcing hand in the unbid major suit (hearts if partner bid spades, and vice-versa). Forcing.

		North			South
		K84			AJT52
		AQT92			K8
		A72			K94
		T8			K97
	West     Pass	North     1		East     2NT (1)	South     3 (2)

1. Unusual.
2. A game-going hand with 5+ spades.

The 3 Response

Artificial. A limit raise or better. 10+ points and 3+ card support. Partner is allowed to sign off in 3.

		North			South
		K4			A52
		AQT92			KJ87
		A7			K984
		T873			42
	West     Pass	North     1		East     2NT (1)	South     3 (2)

1. Unusual.
2. A limit raise or better in hearts. Responder's strength is unlimited.

The 3 Response

A nonforcing raise if partner opened 1. 7-10 points, 3-4 card support.
*OR*
Natural, 5+ hearts (usually 6) and 7-10 points if partner opened 1. Weaker than a 3 response. Non-forcing.

		North			South
		K43			AQ2
		AQT92			J875
		A7			T984
		T83			42
	West     Pass	North     1		East     2NT (1)	South     3 (2)

1. Unusual.
2. A constructive raise. 7-10 points, 3-4 card support.

The 3 Response

A nonforcing raise if partner opened 1. 7-10 points, 3-4 card support.
*OR*
Natural, 5+ spades (usually 6) and 7-10 points if partner opened 1. Weaker than a 3 response. Non-forcing, but represents a very good spade suit since it bypasses 3.

		North			South
		54			AKQT92
		AKT92			8
		AQ2			T98
		T83			542
	West     Pass	North     1		East     2NT (1)	South     3 (2)

1. Unusual.
2. A very good spade suit, but non-forcing.

Note that with 5-card support, responder should only use Unusual vs. Unusual with game-forcing values. With less than 12 points, it's normal to simply jump directly to 4/.