A disturbed 2NT shows a weak or minimum hand that wants to (or has to) compete to the three-level but no more. The bidder may want to bid his own long suit, or play in partner's suit, or give preference opposite partner's takeout double.
In response, partner has a choice: he can acquiesce or he can force to game.
Having made a takeout double, he will acquiesce by bidding his lower/lowest suit, after which the partner may pass or scramble as now. In all other situations, he will acquiesce by bidding the lowest non-cue bid suit (usually 3
), after which partner may pass or bid the final contract.
In both cases, any other response is forcing to game, natural or systemic.
| West | North | East | South | |
|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2NT | pass | |
| 3 | | | | |
If
2 is natural then this is a cue bid and so forcing to game (to acquiesce, opener would have bid
3
). Note that responder could have chosen to play at the two-level, so
2NT here is showing extra distribution and perhaps a desire to minimise their competitive opportunities.
NEXT: disturbed shunts
