Jacoby 2NT – Hilo Bridge Club

Tag Archives: Jacoby 2NT

Support with Support

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Harry • 0 comment

You (South) have strength for an almost certain game in spades with good prospect for slam.

What is your call at 1^st turn after bidding shown above?

Unfortunately, you cannot use the Jacoby 2NT game-forcing raise after East’s interference. I recommend you indicate a limit raise or better by cue bidding three clubs. Do not bid two hearts. It’s best to keep those nice hearts a secret from the opponents. Experts like Eddie Kantar always emphasize support with support.

That should be your highest priority with the known 9+ spade fit.

Category: Exercises: It's Your Call | Tags: Cue Bids, Jacoby 2NT, limit raise, Support with Support

It’s Your Response?

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Harry • 0 comment

My partner opened one spade in first seat (favorable vulnerability). My right hand opponent passed. I wondered how to respond with this hand:

I thought splinter (response of 4 hearts showing shortness) is out because of my singleton king of hearts.

The hand is not good enough for a game forcing raise of spades by responding 2NT (Jacoby). I did not want to encouage partner to investigate slam.

And the hand looks to good for a limit raise of 3 spades. I don’t want partner to pass the invitation.

My solution: respond 4 spades. I want to make sure we get to game opposite partner’s opening. I think Bergen would agree with treating my singleton for its shortness feature rather than its high card points.

How would you respond?

Category: Exercises: It's Your Call | Tags: Bidding Exercise, Jacoby 2NT, limit raise, splinters

Eye Opening Slam Bidding

Posted on March 26, 2020 by Harry • 0 comment

I discovered new slam bidding insights when kibitzing this hand recently on BBO. East-West were world-class players Robert Levin and Geoff Hampson.

East forced to game in spades with his Jacoby 2NT response. His hand was too good to make a splinter response of four clubs.

When East next asked about kings, West denied having any by jumping to six spades (East already knew about the king of spades from the RKCB inquiry). Eye opening slam bidding by EW.

*25 Conventions You Should Know by Barbara Seagram and Marc Smith, p. 86. Entire book is highly recommend: https://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Conventions-You-Should-Know/dp/189415407X

FYI nicesummary of RKCB http://web2.acbl.org/documentLibrary/play/Commonly_Used_Conventions/romankeycard.pdf

Levin also demonstrated how to play this well-bid hand. Here is his puzzle for you: How did Levin hold his heart losers to one after lead of a low diamond by North? I will get to that tomorrow.

Category: Exercises: It's Your Call | Tags: Cue Bids, Jacoby 2NT, Roman Keycard Blackwood, slam bidding, splinters