Unusual NT

A NoTrump overcall which is cannot possibly express a flat hand in a specified range is considered Unusual, and tends to show either:

a) a hand with both minor suits  or

b) a hand with the 2 lower ranking

    unbid suits

The Unusual NT occurs when:

a) You make a jump 2NT overcall

b) As a passed hand you overcall any number

    of No-Trump

c) You bid NT over the opponents strong

     forcing opening such as 2  or a forcing 1 .

d)  You bid NT in the middle of the opponents

      strong or game forcing auction.

These hands are normally 5-5 or better distribution and the strength is generally agreed on by the partnership.  Currently it is the style to play the Unusual NT as either a very weak hand, or a very strong hand, with the simple overcall preferred for the other types.  For example the opponents open the bidding for 1 :

32                    A

---                   J3

QJ6543           KQJT4

JT976             AKQ76

Either of the above could be candidates for an Unusual 2NT over the 1 opening.  The first hand the bid is preemptive in nature, and offering 2 possible strains for a sacrifice.  The second hand you will cuebid 3 on the next turn.

Compiled by Lorne Russell 2005