BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

West opens 1 ♠ and your partner (North) overcalls 2Nt. What do you understand by this bid and what would you respond?

In some respects, bridge is becoming more confusing to the average social player, instead of simpler and more enjoyable. The instructional meaning of 2nT, if it is made as an opening bid, would be to show a balanced hand with 20-22 points. Some players are taught and encouraged to use this 2nT in the same way when the RHO has opened, but this is not really logical when an initial double is available to show such strength. The normal Acol use of an overcall of 2nT is to show a good minor two- suiter (at least 5-5). It expects partner to bid his longer minor, or lower of equal length suits.

On the above hand, you should bid 3 ♣ — or raise to 3nT if you are sure partner is showing a strong balanced hand (not recommended).