Defense After Unusual Notrump (Basic System is Œ ,� ,Ž & � )

After 1-of-a-suit and a 2 NT overcall, you always know which two suits the 2NT bidder holds. Basic defensive strategy over our major suit opening/2NT is to cue-bid the lower of their suits to show the unbid major and bid the higher of their suits to show good support for partner’s suit; both bids showing invitational or better values. Three of partner’s suit is a competitive raise and double will be penalty oriented but may also be a balanced hand, invitational or better with 3-card trump support. If partner opens 1-of-a-minor, followed by 2 NT showing both minors (rarely), then 3C is a transfer to hearts, 3D is a transfer to spades, both invitational or better & 3H/3S are weak, showing a good suit.

1. After 1 of a Major – 2 NT - for both minors:

Double = Shows defense and inviting partner to double or pass with defense.

Rebids by Doubler (example: 1H 2NT DBL 3C: Pass Pass ?).

Dbl = Penalty

3 of Opener’s Major = Invitational, three trumps & good defense.

3 of Unbid Major = 4-card suit, forcing with strength in unbid suit.

3NT = To play with good defensive values.

4C/4D = Slam interest cue-bids with a fit and a balanced hand.

Π3 Clubs = Shows five or more cards in the other major & is invitational or better.

Response: 3D = Denies 3-card support or a 6-card major suit.

� 3 Diamonds = Shows an invitational or better raise in opener’s major.

Ž 3 of Opener’s Major = A competitive raise, about 6-8/9 points and four trumps.

� 3 of Unbid Major = Shows a very good 6-card suit with nothing else outside.

3NT = 4 cards in the other major, 3 of partner’s major and game values or better.

4 Clubs/4 Diamonds = Splinter raises; at least four trumps and game values.

2. After 1 of a Minor – 2 NT - for hearts and the other minor (2 lowest unbid suits):

Double = Showing defense and inviting partner to double or pass with defense.

Rebids by Doubler (example: 1D 2NT DBL 3C: Pass Pass ?):

Dbl = Penalty

3 of Opener’s Minor = Invitational with good defensive values.

3S = Natural (4 cards usually), forcing with strength in the unbid suit.

3NT = To play with good defensive values.

Œ 3 of Opener’s Minor = A constructive, mildly invitational raise with a good fit.

� 3 of Opponent’s Minor = Shows minor stopped, a fit for partner & game values.

Ž 3 Hearts = Transfer to spades and shows invitational or better values.

� 3 Spades = Shows hearts stopped and at least game going values.

3 NT = To play. Usually with a fit and both opponents’ suits stopped.

4 of Other Minor or 4 Hearts = Splinter, forcing raise and five or more trumps.