The origin of this conventional opening method is unknown and is considered to be classified as a Highly Unusual Method - HUM - in that no known suit is recognizable when 2 No Trump is bid. It is, or was, generally played in Norway and has been allowed to be played in several divisions of bridge events and even on a national level, but has been disallowed owing to the fact that any opening, as defined by the sponsoring bridge organizations, is defined by indicating at least one known suit if the opening bid is weaker than 16 high card points.

Principle behind the Concept

This unusual conventional method, having no definite designation, is only preserved and archived here. The concept is presented below with the corresponding responses and partnership understandings. Since it is important to determine first which holding the opener has, the responder is limited in any action such as jump bids or taking any individual action to show strength and/or values, and only the opening itself becomes the only forcing action in the auction. The only exception is when the responder holds such values as to guarantee a game forcing action.

Any 2 No Trump opening signifies either a holding with both Majors or both Minors and a range of 7 to 10 high card points. The distribution of the holding is the key factor and the number of losing tricks is an important, but not deciding factor. The concept is to begin the auction at the highest level on the two level. In the case that the opponents wish to enter the auction, then they must do so on the three level.

The following diagrams illustrate the possible auctions. North is the opener in all instances and each bidding sequence is handled and shown separately.

North			South		Meaning
2 NT					Either both Major suit or both Minor suits. 7-10 high card points.
			3		A preference signal by responder showing more tolerance for the Minor suits, especially Clubs.
Pass					Promising both Minor suits.
3					Promising both Major suits. Asks for Major suit preference.

North			South		Meaning
2 NT					Either both Major suit or both Minor suits. 7-10 high card points.
			3		A preference signal by responder showing more tolerance for the Minor suits, especially Diamonds.
Pass					Promising both Minor suits.
3					Promising both Major suits. Asks for Major suit preference.
			Pass		The responder may pass with a minimum holding.
			4		The responder may bid game with a maximum holding.

North			South		Meaning
2 NT					Either both Major suit or both Minor suits. 7-10 high card points.
			3		Invitational in Hearts. Asks for a contract of 3 NT if the holding is both Minor suits.
Pass					Promises both Major suits and minimum values.
3 NT					Promises both Minor suits and sets the contract.
4					Promises a void in Clubs and both Major suits.
4					Promises a void in Diamonds and both Major suits.
4					Promises both Major suits and maximum values.

North			South		Meaning
2 NT					Either both Major suit or both Minor suits. 7-10 high card points.
			3		Invitational in Spades. Asks for a contract of 3 NT if the holding is both Minor suits.
Pass					Promises both Major suits and minimum values.
3 NT					Promises both Minor suits and sets the contract.
4					Promises a void in Clubs and both Major suits.
4					Promises a void in Diamonds and both Major suits.
4					Promises both Major suits and maximum values.

North			South		Meaning
2 NT					Either both Major suit or both Minor suits. 7-10 high card points.
			3 NT		To play if the holding is both Minor suits.
4					Promises a void in Clubs and both Major suits.
4					Promises a void in Diamonds and both Major suits.
4					Promises both Major suits and no void.

North			South		Meaning
2 NT					Either both Major suit or both Minor suits. 7-10 high card points.
			4		This first response is game forcing.
4					Promises both Major suits.
4					Promises both Minor suits and shows minimum values
4					Promises both Minor suits and shows maximum values.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.