Bidding Quiz: Unusual No-trump by David Bird

A: 2NT. This is a perfect example of the Unusual No-trump 2NT overcall. You have (at least) 5-5 shape in the lowest two unbid suits, and the suits have some substance to them. If instead you bid 2♣ or 2♦, you may miss a fit in the other minor suit.

It is possible that the opponents have a good fit in spades. By taking away so much bidding space, you will make their auction more difficult.

Note that using the Unusual No-trump does not make life awkward for you when you have a 20-21 HCP balanced hand. You can start with a take-out double and rebid in no-trump.

Your result so far:

A: Pass. Some players cannot resist using a 2NT bid whenever the opportunity presents itself. The odds do not favor it when your suits have little substance. Here, your defensive values, the three kings, outweigh your playing strength in the minors and you should Pass.

If the bidding continues with a raise to 2♠ by West, passed back to you, contest the bidding then. You will bid 2NT to ask partner to choose a minor suit.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT. The Unusual No-trump shows the lowest two unbid suits, hearts and clubs here. You are happy to enter the auction, to disrupt a possible auction by the opponents, and perhaps to reach a profitable contract of your own.

If the heart and club suits were switched, you would prefer to overcall in hearts on the strong six-card major.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦. When the opening bid is on your left and is followed by two passes, 2NT by you in the fourth seat is NOT the Unusual No-trump. It is a natural bid, possibly containing a longish minor.

So, 2NT is not available here. You should overcall 2♦ instead.

Your result so far:

A: Pass. A 2NT overcall is NOT Unusual when bid over a weak-two opening. It is a precious natural bid that you will often use.

Since you are not strong enough to bid 3♦, you have to pass on this sort of hand.

Your result so far:

A: 4NT. This overcall shows length in the minor suits. That makes good sense because it bypasses 4♠. At this level, you would often have 6-5 shape to contest with 4NT. Here, you have two sturdy five-card suits.

Making this bid will sometimes turn out badly, sometimes very well. It is the purpose of East's pre-emptive leap to 4♥ to make life difficult for you.

Your result so far:

A: 4NT. You should disrupt the opponents' bidding space with an Unusual 4NT bid. Even if partner has no particular fit or useful high card, you would be unlucky to go more than two down in five of a minor. Meanwhile, good luck to East-West with the rest of their auction!

Your result so far: