It’s been a while since the Unusual 2NT has been discussed. Lately I’ve heard players say things like “I forgot about that” or “That still confuses me” or ”What is it exactly?” so here it is in review.

The Unusual 2NT is a single jump overcall that shows a two-suited hand with 6-11 points with offensive but few defensive values. The two suits you hold are the two lower previously unbid suits that have five cards each in them and you have 6-11 points.

So if LHO bids 1S, partner Passes, RHO bids 1C your 2NT bid states your 5H and 5D holding. Be aware of your vulnerability, non-vulnerable being best.

There are a few other things your bid does as well. It can get in opponents’ way. It can give partner a clue as to opening lead. But as a downside, it also gives your opponents information about distribution at the table that, as declarer, can be used against you and for them during play of the contract.

One other thing to note, your 2NT bid can never include a Spade suit. Spades are never lower than the other two suits bid. Therefore if you have five spades you bid them directly.

There are two other things to note. A 2NT overcall can also be done with a strong hand but you would, at your next turn, bid one of your suits to convey that strength. If an opponent doubles your 2NT he is saying he has a least one of your suits. He is looking for a penalty double against a contract including one of those two suits. So noting this imbalance in trump between offense and defense, it can be good defense against the suit contract of the unusual 2NT bidders, to make the opening lead a trump.

We had a small but competitive game on Friday, May 17, at Evergreen. Winners were: First, Fred Bachl and Wade Lowder; second, Beth Shafer and Lawana Ford; third, Betty Bonner Steele and Rosemary Sokolowski; and tied for fourth/fifth, Patty King and Fern Albracht with Pat Macon and Toni Iossi.

Wednesday, May 22, Bridge at Rufty winners: N/S, first, Carol Bachl and Judy Gealy; second, Nancy Brandt and Tom Johnson; third, John and Myrnie McLaughlin; E/W, first, Becky Creekmore and Ruth Bowles; second, Christy Cline and Fern Albracht; third, Maggie Dorton and Lou Dorton-Shue.

There is a correction on the date for the World-Wide Bridge game. The date is July 7. Correct your calendars.