MODIFIED JACOBY
2NT
[Warning: This is for advanced-level or higher]
Most tournament players use "JACOBY 2NT" in
conjunction with their 5-card major system. After an opening of 1-MAJ, a jump to 2NT is
conventional. It promises a GF hand and at least 4-card support. This convention should not
be used by a passed hand and should not be used if there is interference by the
opponents. I can't warn you enough how important it is when employing any
convention to cover this vital issue (on by PH?--on in comp?).
In the "original" version of this convention,
this is the schedule of responses:
4-trump suit=minimum, no shortness
3-trump suit=non-minimum, no shortness
3-new suit = shortness
3NT=varying ways to play this
4-new suit = good side 5-card suit (some people instead use this to show a void)
Below is the version I play with my regular partner, David
Berkowitz. Many top experts have adopted a similar schedule. I will reveal the advantages
at the end (if you get that far).
MODIFIED JACOBY 2NT
After our 1-MAJ opening and 2NT response (Game-Forcing
4+-card raise):
4 of our MAJOR = the absolute worst dreck imaginable
(always 5-3-3-2)
3 = any other minimum (could be
5-3-3-2, but at least some redeeming feature)
3 = non-minimum, with a side singleton
or void somehwere
3 = non-minimum, any 5-4-2-2
distribution
3 = non-minimum, 6+ trumps (no
singletons or voids)
3NT = non-min., 5-3-3-2 (you can use this to show a HCP range such as 18-19)
4 new suit = decent 5-card side suit (nat.--should have ace or king)
Follow-ups:
If responder ever jumps to game in the major, it is a
sign-off--no further interest.
If responder still has slam interest, he can ask further as
follows:
AFTER opener's 3 :
Responder bids 3 to ask, then
(note the similarity to the original responses by opener):
4 of our MAJOR = 5-3-3-2 min., but not total dreck (maybe nice controls)
3 = minimum, with a side singleton or
void somehwere
3 = minimum, any 5-4-2-2 distribution
3NT = minimum, 6+ trumps (no singletons or voids)
4 new suit = min., decent 5-card side suit (natural--should have ace or king)
(After opener's 3 or 3 answer to
3, next step asks, using same schedule
as below)
AFTER opener's 3:
Responder bids 3 to ask, then:
Step 1=A VOID somehwhere
Step 2= singleton in lowest side suit ()
Step 3 = singleton in next side suit ()
Step 4 = singleton in highest side suit (other major)
After Step 1 (VOID)
Next bid asks where and S1=, S2=, S3=other
major
AFTER opener's 3:
Responder bids 3 to ask, then:
Step 1= 4 cards in lowest side suit ()
Step 2 = 4 cards in next side suit ()
Step 3 = 4 cards in highest side suit (other major)
This looks a bit complex, but there isn't too much memory. The first set of answers to 2NT
must be memorized. After that, the same principle covers all the memory: Next step asks,
and answers are "up-the-line."
INTERFERENCE:
As stated above, this convention is never on if they
interfere after our 1MAJ opening. However, we do need to cope if they interfere after
the 2NT response:
Opener's double =
Shortness in suit doubled
Opener's new suits = natural or a control
3NT = Balanced Maximum (Ace or King in their suit)
Opener's Pass = Nothing special--flat hand, could be 5x3x2 awful after which, responder's
X=penalty
Opener's jump to 4M = dead minimum, but 6x3x2
If they double Asks or re-asks : XX = business, Pass=S1, etc.
If they bid after Ask or re-ask : X=Penalty, Pass=S1, etc.
(except when double = short as above)
Like any new convention, this can't be taken lightly.
Practice and study are required. I am not big on conventions, but this one is worth the
effort for a serious partnership. Not only does it provide more accuracy, but the biggest
payoff is in concealment. Most times, opener will have a minimum (12 points are
statistically more likely than 15 or 19). When opener bids 3 to announce a minimum, most times responder will no longer be
interested in slam. He will simply jump to sign-off in game. Meanwhile, you have not
given away opener's shape to the opponents. It is too easy to lead and defend
against standard Jacoby 2NT, when you are told opener has a singleton. It is much better
to keep this information concealed on most deals.
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