Our First Live Q&A Recap: From 2NT Secrets, Defense against NT and Partner Matchmaking!
Thanks to everyone who joined our first live Q&A! We loved seeing everyone and the discussion was lively! Below is a recap of some of the things we discussed.
2NT and Interference
The first topic we discussed was when and why the opener should rebid Two No Trump (2NT) on the second round when RHO (right hand opponent) has interfered. You know the scenario: you open a minor, partner bids a major at the one level, and then opponent slides in a bid:
2NT minimum or extras?
In this auction, 2NT is STILL showing a balanced 18-19 HCP hand, even though the opener “had to” bid at the 2 level.
The consensus? As John Ramos noted, voluntarily bidding at the 2-level after interference still signals extra strength (18-19 points). Why? Because you can pass with a minimum hand and allow partner to take another call if they have more to say. When we bid 2NT after partner has only promised us 6 points, we still have to have the values to support the contract level.
Bidding When your Opponents Open 1NT: Landy vs. DONT vs. Meckwell - Choosing the Best Convention to Use
Let’s assume you need a simple option to play with any partner - even one you just met!
We believe making sure you can show the major suits is the top priority, so for ease the team recommends basic Landy if you want something easy to remember.
Why Landy?
Simplicity: It uses only one artificial bid (2♣) to show both major suits (Spades and Hearts), and everything else is natural.
Suit Quality: We want to highlight that in interference, suit quality can matter more than high card points! (Three guaranteed winners from QJ1098 are better than two from AK543).
A quick Landy lesson for your toolbox: if your partner overcalls 2♣ showing the majors, you are free to take a preference, but if you don’t have an easy choice, you can use the response is 2♦, the "waiting bid." You can pass the decision back to your partner to find the longest combined fit.
We like to show the majors, and a lot of experts prefer systems that de-emphasize showing a penalty double over a strong NT, but the “real” answer is that it doesn’t matter which one you play as long as you and your partner both know it.
Regardless of what you choose, when you are using any convention or slightly artificial system, the most important thing is that you remember it!
Bridge Partner Matchmaking!
We've heard you loud and clear! Giorgia announced our next big community initiative: adding a "Partnership Desk" section to the Bridge and Beyond website. We’ll have details coming soon but if you are looking for a partner, we’re hoping to connect people! Please tell your friends about us!
St. Louis NABC Meetup: Mark your calendars! We're coming to you.
We'll be in St. Louis next week, and we're planning an informal meetup—keep an eye on your inbox for an email with all the details!
Leave us a comment below if you plan on being in St.Louis!
