Truscott 2NT Response

Truscott 2NT Response - Facts

When your Partner opened 1♥ or 1♠ and your RH Opponent makes an Take-out Double, you can show trump support with 10+ points, with a Response of 2NT.
This is the so-called Truscott 2NT Response. It makes it very difficult for your LH Opponent (the Advancer) to make a bid.

With 10-12 points, balanced but no trump support Redouble first, then bid 2NT at your next turn.
The Redouble can also used for other 10+ hands with no clear response bid available.

All direct suit raise Responses show weak hands of 6-10 pts.

The various Responses are shown below.

1♥ - (DBL) - 2NT = Truscott 2NT : 10+ HCP and 3+ trumps (10 pts and 8 Losers)

1♥ - (DBL) - RDBL = Truscott Redouble : 10+ HCP, no trump support (10 pts and 8 Losers)
a rebid of 2NT shows 10-12 pts, balanced hand, stopper in Enemy suit
(Do not use the RDBL when playing the Power 2♣ and 2♦ responses !)

1♥ - (DBL) - 2♥ = 6-10 HCP and 3 trumps (10 pts and ≥ 9 Losers)

1♥ - (DBL) - 3♥ = 6-10 HCP and 4+ trumps (no singleton or void, usually 8 losers)
1♥ - (DBL) - 3♥ = or
1♥ - (DBL) - 3♥ = 2-5 HCP and 4+ trumps, singleton or void

1♥ - (2♣) - 4♥ = 6-10 HCP and 4+ trumps, singleton or void

1♥ - (DBL) - 4♣ = Splinter raise : 11+ HCP and 4+ trumps, singleton or void in the suit bid

1♥ - (DBL) - ? = All new suit bids responses retain their normal value

Opener's replies to Partner's 2NT Response are :

1♥ - (DBL) - 2NT → 3♥ = Minimum Opening 11-13 points
Responder will bid on with 13+ points
1♥ - (DBL) - 2NT → 4♥ = Minimum Opening 14-15 points
Responder will bid on with 16+ points
1♥ - (DBL) - 2NT → 3NT (RKC Blackwood) = Strong Opening 16+ points

After Responder's Truscott Redouble the 4th player (Advancer) is forced to make a bid.
Opener should Pass after that, as Responder will be assured of another bid (usually 2NT or DBL). All further Doubles are Penalty Doubles !

Opener only bids when holding a hand unsuitable for defensive play, such as a 2-suited 5-5+ hand.