Monday, July 31, 2006 9:37 PM

Scrambling vrs Good-bad 2NT

PITBULLS:

Some experts get the two bids Scrambling 2NT vrs Good-bad 2NT confused. They must be distinguished by “depending on context” of the auction. The good-bad 2NT ( Lebensohl) was invented as an invitational tool for two level interference. Since they are bidding at the 2 level in the sandwich position , they prevent you from jumping to the 3 level to show invitational values. This can occur in any competitive auction : an overcall , T/O double , negative double . Some examples 1♦-1♠-x-2♠ ? You were about to jump to 3♥ to invite but they bid at the two level. This is where the good-bad 2NT comes in. You bid 2NT ( bad ) to compete in hearts ( partner must relay to 3♣) so you bid 3♥. If you bid 3♥ freely its as if you had jumped to the 3 level so you are inviting.

They make a weak jump overcall in the sandwich is another frequent use for good bad 2NT. You open 1♣ and partner responds 1♦ and they bid 2♠. With no interference you were about to leap to 3♣ but they are interfering. So with a competitive hand you bid 2NT ( bad) and partner must relay to 3♣. You pass so you have done your competing. If you bid 3♣ directly its as if you jumped to that level. Partner must follow Lebensohl principles. If she is too strong to accept the relay she must find another bid.

One another example is when partner has made a T/O double. 1♠-X-2♠-? The 2 spade bid has prevented you from jumping to 3♥ as an invite. You bid 2NT ( bad ) to compete to 3♥ after partner relays and 3♥ directly to show the invite. Good bad 2NT brings “free bid” back into vogue as you have the “bad 2NT” just to compete.

The scrambling 2NT is just that a scramble. You could be in trouble or you just do not know what suit to bid because you have a flatish hand. With the good-bad 2NT , you bid 2NT freely. The scrambling 2NT is bid under pressure of partners double in the balancing position or in the sandwich.

1♠-P-2♠-X P-? ♠xx ♥xxx ♦Kxxx ♣Qxxx you bid 2NT telling partner to scramble by bidding her suits up the line. The doubler has ♠xx ♥AKxx ♦AQxx ♣Axx and bid 3♦ so you land in your 4-4 fit.

The scrambling 2NT has a good negative inference. If you do not bid the scrambling 2NT in these auctions , partner can infer that your suit is 5 cards or longer in case the doubling starts. The scrambling 2NT is similar to equal level conversion as you scramble to your best spot. 2NT as natural would be illogical in these auctions , as you would convert for penalties or just take a shot at 3NT.