Simple Jacoby 2NT - Facts sheet

The four suit raise options are :

1♥ - 2♥   =   weak raise, 6-10 pts, 3+card trump support

1♥ - 3♥   =   Limit raise, 10-12 pts, 3+card support, excactly 8 losers

1♥- 2NT =   Jacoby Game force, 13+ pts, 3+card support, any shape

1♥ - 4♥   =   Pre-emptive raise, 6-10 pts, 4+card support, singleton or void

Standard replies by Opener to Jacoby 2NT are :

1♥ - 2NT - 4♥   =   12-15 pts, no singletyon or void, no 2nd strong 5-card suit

1♥ - 2NT - 3♥   =   16+ pts, strong trump suit, no singleton or void, no 2nd strong 5-card suit

1♥ - 2NT - 3NT* =   16+ pts, weak trump suit, no singleton or void, no 2nd strong 5-card suit

1♥ - 2NT - 3♣   =   12+ pts, singleton or void in suit bid

1♥ - 2NT - 4♣   =   12+ pts, strong 5-card suit in suit bid

A strong suit contains at least 2 of the 3 top honours (A K Q) in the suit.
* = Use this 3NT at the same time as a RKCB ask to Responder.

After a major suit fit has been established 3NT = Roman Key Card Blackwood (RKCB).
Key cards are : the 4 Aces + trump King.
Responses to 3NT RKCB are :

  1. 3NT - 4♣*  =   0 or 3 key cards - next bid of 4♦ asks for the trump Queen

  2. 3NT - 4♦*  =   1 or 4 key cards - next bid of 4♥** asks for the trump Queen

  3. 3NT - 4♥   =   2 key cards, no trump Queen

  4. 3NT - 4♠   =   2 key cards, plus trump Queen

    *   = Some players reverse options 1 and 2 above (playing "14 30"). Make sure to ask.
    ** = Unless Hearts is the trump suit, then bid 4♠ instead.

A follow on bid of 4NT asks for the remaining three Kings :   5♣ = 0   5♦ = 1   5♥ = 2

When 3NT is not available for RKCB, use 4NT instead. All above bids are then one level higher.