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Question
What is the Unusual 2NT, and what does it show?
Answer
Why
A direct jump to 2NT over an opponent’s opening bid, showing at least 5-5 in the two lowest unbid suits
Why
It is one bid that describes a whole two-suited hand.
Question
Why do we need a bid like the Unusual 2NT?
Answer
Why
A two-suited hand is very hard to describe naturally once an opponent has opened
Why
If you overcall just one suit, the auction may get too high before you can bid the second - or you may not be strong enough to bid twice. The Unusual 2NT shows both suits immediately.
Question
How much high-card strength does the Unusual 2NT promise?
Answer
Why
It does not promise the strength of a normal two-level overcall - it can be weak or very strong
Why
Watch the vulnerability, because you are pushing partner to bid at the three level.
Question
Besides showing your two suits, what else does the Unusual 2NT do?
Answer
Why
It is preemptive
Why
It disturbs the opponents and takes away the responder’s easy bids at the one and two level.
Question
An opponent opens 1♠ and you bid 2NT. Which two suits are you showing?
Answer
Why
Clubs and diamonds
Why
The two lowest unbid suits.
Question
An opponent opens 1♥ and you bid 2NT. Which two suits are you showing?
Answer
Why
Clubs and diamonds
Why
Again the two lowest unbid suits - spades is higher-ranking, so it is not one of them.
Question
An opponent opens 1♦ and you bid 2NT. Which two suits are you showing?
Answer
Why
Clubs and hearts
Why
Diamonds has been bid, so the two lowest suits still available are clubs and hearts.
Question
An opponent opens 1♣ and you bid 2NT. Which two suits are you showing?
Answer
Why
Diamonds and hearts
Why
Clubs has been bid, so the two lowest unbid suits are diamonds and hearts.
Question
Which two-suited hand can the Unusual 2NT NOT show?
Answer
Why
A hand with the highest and lowest suits - for example 5 spades and 5 clubs after a 1♦ opening
Why
2NT always names the two lowest unbid suits, so it can never show that pair. Overcall spades, and show the clubs later if you get the chance.
Question
Partner bids an Unusual 2NT. Can you pass?
Answer
Why
No - you must bid one of partner’s two suits
Why
2NT is artificial. Partner does not want to play in notrump.
Question
As advancer, should you ever suggest a suit of your own instead?
Answer
Why
No - bid one of partner’s two suits
Why
Partner has 5-5 in two other suits, so they probably have a singleton in your suit.
Question
Partner bids Unusual 2NT and you have a weak or middling hand. What do you do?
Answer
Why
Bid one of partner’s suits at the cheapest level available
Why
Pick your better fit and go no higher than you have to.
Question
Partner bids Unusual 2NT and you have a strong hand. What do you do?
Answer
Why
Jump in one of partner’s suits to invite, or bid game directly
Why
That is enough for now. More advanced players have other ways to show these hands.
Question
After partner’s 2NT, the opponents interfere. When should you compete?
Answer
Why
When you have some strength and support
Why
Partner has promised five cards, so three cards is good support.
Question
Partner opens 1NT and the next player bids 2NT. Is that Unusual?
Answer
Why
Yes
Why
1NT (2NT) is still Unusual, showing 5-5 in clubs and diamonds.
Question
An opponent opens, it goes Pass - Pass to the fourth player, who bids 2NT. Is that Unusual?
Answer
Why
No - it shows a balanced 18-19 HCP
Why
In the balancing seat that jump is natural and strong, not two-suited.
Question
An opponent opens a Weak 2 and the next player bids 2NT. Is that Unusual?
Answer
Why
No - it shows a balanced 15-18
Why
2NT over a Weak 2 is the natural strong notrump overcall.
Question
Some players say the Unusual 2NT shows “both minors”. Is that right?
Answer
Why
That is the older version - the modern standard is “the two lowest unbid suits”
Why
The two versions differ only after a minor-suit opening. With a new partner, agree which one you play.
Question
Is the Unusual 2NT alertable?
Answer
Why
No
Why
Jumping to notrump over an opening bid already tells the opponents that this is a special bid.
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