~Opening and Responding to 2NT

A 2NT opener requires 20-21 HCP and a balanced hand or occasionally 19 HCP and a 5-card suit. It is permissible to open 2NT with a 5-card major. Players who do so typically play Puppet Stayman to explore for a 4-4 or 5-3 major-suit fit.

With a long minor suit and a weak hand, responder may bid 2S to get into a 4C or 4D contract.

Responder may use Gerber (4C) to ask for aces and then may use 5C to ask for kings. Asking for kings promises that the partnership holds all the aces.

Responders to a 2NT opener should also use Stayman and Jacoby Transfers to explore for a major suit fit.