Unusual 2NT

The unusual 2NT convention is used to show a two-suiter hand after opponent's opening bid, if the two-suiter cannot be shown by Michael's cue bid. It shows 10+ points and 5-5 or better in the two suits, although vulnerability conditions must also be taken into account (more/fewer points are needed when vulnerable/non-vulnerable). Insufficiency in points and number of cards (especially minors) can be supplemented by the other or by suit quality (i.e. it is acceptable to make such a bid with just a 5-4 holding if the 4-card suit is good or if the bidder holds a high HCP).

Sequnce	Meaning	Developments
(1C) > 2NT (!!) (1D) > 2NT (!!)	5-5 or better in the unbid minor and a major	cue bid (!!) = asking for the major 3 of other minor = 3+ cards 3NT = To play, stopper in opponent's suit
(1H) > 2NT (!!) (1S) > 2NT (!!)	5-5 or better in the minors	3m = better minor, 3+ cards cue-bid (!!) = stopper-asking 3 of other major = 6+ cards, no support for either minor 3NT = stopper in opponent's suit, usu. 15+ points 4m = better minor, 3+ cards, invite to 5m 5m = To play

The unusual 2NT convention only applies to opponent's opening bids and in which there is no interference in between (e.g. (1C) > (1H) > 2NT is not unusual 2NT; in that case a takeout double will suffice to show a two-suiter). If an unusual 2NT bid is interfered, responder is not obliged to bid. Bids by responder thus show more than minimum.