Opening 2NT by David Bird

A: 2NT. In Standard American, you open 2NT with a balanced 20-21 HCP. With 22-23, you open 2♣ and rebid 2NT. With around 24-26, it's 2♣ and then 3NT. This is not convenient, really, because you have reached game without partner having any opportunity to look for a 4-4 or 5-3 major-suit fit.

With 27 or more, you can rebid 4NT, but it does not happen very often (fortunately!)

Your result so far:

A: 2NT. The same reasoning applies as when you have a balanced 15-17 points with one or more suits unstopped. You go ahead with the no-trump opening, to describe your hand as well as possible.

If you open 1♣ instead, you might miss a game when partner declines to respond on a suitable 4 or 5 HCP. That's not the only problem, though. Suppose you open 1♣ and partner does respond. You will find it difficult to convince your partner that you have 21 HCP. He will not invite a slam when there is a good one available.

Remember that partner is most likely, statistically, to hold length opposite the suit where you have a doubleton.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT. Can you open 2NT when you have a five-card major? Yes, indeed! If you open 1♥ instead, you will sometimes miss a good game. If you open 2♣ and rebid 2♥, you will be overstating the value of your hand and will sometimes get carried too high by your partner.

Do you risk missing a 5-3 fit and playing in 3NT instead of 4♥? Not necessarily. There is a way to investigate such fits (Puppet Stayman), as we will see in another quiz.

It's the same when you hold this type of hand and only 15-17 points. You should open 1NT.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT. You are not strong enough to open 2♣. You can describe your hand well by opening 2NT.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣. You hold only 21 HCP, yes, but you should add a point for your good heart suit. With a balanced hand worth 22 HCP, you open 2♣.

But... you must rebid 2NT (non-forcing when partner has a bust), not 2♥, which would be forcing to game.

Your result so far: