8-NT Convention Card: Two Level Openings

In this series we systematically discuss the various sections of the ACBL convention card, and what I consider to be 8-NT standard bidding.

This is the last section on the right hand side of the convention card.  It mostly concerns opening bids at the two level.

In 8-NT, we use an opening bid of 2C as our strongest opening.  It is a forcing bid.  We bid it with any hand of 22+ points.  With a terrific suit and good distribution, we might use it a little lower, but it should be saved for a hand that wants to be in game if partner has more than a jack or two, and wants to be in slam if partner has a medium hand.  To respond to 2C, we play "2D Waiting" which simply means you bid 2D unless you have a decent hand.  With a decent hand and a good suit, bid that suit.  Otherwise you can bid 2NT.

The rest of our 2-level suit openings are all preemptive bids.  They show 5-10 HCP and at least six cards in the bid suit.  All new suit responses below game are forcing bids (hence we did not check "New Suit NF").  Additionally, we adopt the standard meaning of 2NT here as well; a 2NT response is an artificial bid asking partner to describe her hand a bit more.  In particular it asks for a "feature" which means a side A or K.  If you have one of these, bid that suit.  Otherwise, simply rebid your suit.

Finally, at the very bottom we have several other options we can choose.  I've only checked off "4th suit forcing" to game.  That means that if your partnership has bid three different suits with your first three bids, a bid of the 4th suit at the lowest level simply indicates a desire to play a game contract somewhere; it does not indicate or deny strength in that 4th suit.  The bidding must remain open until game is reached.

Note that 4th suit forcing is an alertable bid.  If your partner bids it, your should say alert.

One last warning:  There are people within 8-NT who typically play that jump shifts are weak in competition, or even with no competition.  Within the friendly confines of 8-NT you should feel free to verify with your partner that you are playing strong jump shifts should the situation arise.  Outside 8-NT, you should double-check this before you start play.

Next up: Special Doubles