The Unusual 2nt

[@fdcrat]

You should really start using a T to denote a ten of a suit instead of "10". The T is much easier to read, and the length is also easier to count when one character is one card.

[@bridgetrampton1537]

yes! I agree. I do do that these days. It's so much better. Thanks. B

[@robinjohnston249]

I THOUGHT 2NT MEANT 20-21 PTS?

[@bridgetrampton1537]

not in this context. very big balanced hands start with a x

[@kathyandbrian639]

that's why it is call unusual.

[@d95mback]

People thought that you almost never have 20-21 points when opponents have already opened. So we use it to show 5-5 hands. If you do have 20-21 points as an overcaller, you just double and then bid again.

[@bridgetrampton1537]

@@d95mback right! 55 shapes come up more

[@d95mback]

Many people even use the "usual" 2NT to mean preemptive clubs and diamonds. Having 2NT as 20-21 balanced does take up a lot of space.