[the hog]

NickRW, on Feb 2 2010, 10:45 PM, said:

jdonn, on Feb 2 2010, 04:11 AM, said:

You're repeating the same logic I don't understand

I think what he is saying is that it is very hard, in general, to predict that 2NT will be an exact make - a lot of the time it is over or under - further it requires very little more to make 3NT. Thus, particularly in an IMP context, where a) stretching to game can pay a dividend and b] there is virtually no difference between +120 for 2NT and, say, +110 for 3m, giving up on 2NT as a possible contract makes sense on a lot of sequences.

Matchpoints are a different kettle of fish, +120 can be a top.

Nick

Thanks Nick.

[mich-b]

NickRW, on Feb 2 2010, 12:49 PM, said:

jdonn, on Feb 2 2010, 04:17 PM, said:

Who says every time we make 2NT we make 3 of a minor? From what I can see there is no reason we must even have a fit.

I didn't suggest that 2N should be forcing on this particular sequence, whether IMPs or otherwise - indeed I am quite open to hearing opinions - I was trying to explain the reasoning - or what I think it is anyway.

Nick

I would suggest having the following general rule :
2NT (if natural...) is always invitational but NF unless ,of course, we were in GF before the 2NT bid.
Trying to find specific exceptions seems too difficult , and impractical.

[jdonn]

Seriously I understand the logic about lack of desirability of stopping in exactly 2NT, but to me that's an argument for lots of artificial 2NT bids in competition when the auction calls for it, not a reason to just make every natural 2NT bid forcing on auctions that call for 2NT to be natural. It's still allowed to be the best remaining spot we can find even if it's not the spot we would have chosen.

[hanp]

I find the arguments for 2NT forcing weird. 2NT is just a descriptive bid and if partner thinks playing exactly 2NT isn't right he doesn't have to pass. I think 2NT in this auction is obviously natural and non-forcing.

[NickRW]

hanp, on Feb 3 2010, 09:53 AM, said:

I find the arguments for 2NT forcing weird. 2NT is just a descriptive bid and if partner thinks playing exactly 2NT isn't right he doesn't have to pass. I think 2NT in this auction is obviously natural and non-forcing.

FWIW, I wouldn't have read it as forcing myself