Scrambling 2NT
The scrambling 2NT bid is
used after partner makes a takeout double at the two level, and you hold two
four
card suits.
E.g.
(1
)-p-(2)-x;
p- ??? and you hold:
: Kxx 
:
Qxxx 
: Jxxx 
:
xx.
If you bid hearts, you could wind up in a 4-3 fit (and the same with bidding
diamonds).
Why guess? If you bid 2NT as a scramble, partner can bid his four card suits
up the line.
With : xx
: Kxxx : AKx :
QJxx , partner bids 3 over which you
bid 3 to deny holding four clubs and
then partner bids 3 to
show that suit.
Why play this convention?
- First, you and your partner may make more aggressive doubles knowing that you can find your 4-4 fits safely.
- Second, if partner does not go thru Scrambling 2NT, then the doubler will know that the suit is a five card or longer suit.
- Third, what else is 2NT supposed to mean? Natural? Why not just pass their doubled bid then?