Practice on Cuebids
Direct practice for this topic is not mapped yet. Use Cuebids scenarios to build hands for this agreement.
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Systems
Last updated
2026-08-01
What is Jordan 2NT?
Jordan 2NT, also called Truscott 2NT, is used after partner opens a major and the next opponent doubles. Responder bids 2NT artificially to show a limit raise or better with trump support.
This frees the direct jump raise to be weak and preemptive. The partnership can separate constructive raises from pressure raises in competitive auctions.
Artificial limit raise
- 2NT is artificial Jordan, showing spade support and limit-raise or better values.
- It is not a natural notrump bid.
Weak jump raise available
- When Jordan is available, 3 can be played as weak and preemptive.
- This puts pressure on the doubler's side.
Responder hand types
Responder should have real trump support and enough strength for at least a limit raise, typically around ten or more support points. Some pairs require four-card support, while others allow strong three-card support depending on system.
The weak jump raise that Jordan frees up is usually played around zero to six HCP with extra trump length, though exact ranges vary with vulnerability and partnership style.
Balanced hands without support usually redouble or make a natural call by agreement. Do not hide a natural notrump hand inside Jordan unless the partnership explicitly does so.
- Jordan 2NT: limit raise or better with support.
- Jump raise: weak, obstructive raise in many methods.
- Redouble: values without a clear support action in many methods.
- Simple raise: a weaker constructive raise, or a mixed meaning by agreement.
Opener rebids
Opener can sign off in three of the major with a minimum, bid game with enough values, or make a trial bid to investigate game or slam. The exact meanings of new suits should be agreed.
Some pairs treat new suits as natural, some as help-suit game tries, and some as short-suit tries. Pick one style.
Opener signs off
- Opener shows no interest opposite a limit raise.
- Responder can pass with a minimum Jordan hand.
Opener bids game
- Opener accepts game opposite limit-raise or better support.
- The double has not prevented the partnership from showing strength.
Responder bids on with a game force
- Because 2NT shows limit raise or better, responder raises the signoff to game with full opening values.
- Opener's 3 only denies extras; it does not end the auction opposite a game-forcing raise.
Competition after Jordan
Opponents may bid after 2NT. Opener's rebids are usually the same whether the next opponent passes or competes, but doubles, cue bids, and free bids need clear treatment.
Since the auction is already competitive, the practical value of Jordan is that opener immediately knows responder has support and real values.
Hand examples
Responder should choose Jordan when the hand wants to compete constructively and does not want to bury a good raise inside a weak jump.
Jordan raise
- After partner opens 1 and RHO doubles, this hand is worth an artificial 2NT raise.
- The hand has support and constructive values.
Weak preemptive raise
- After 1 doubled, a jump to 3 can be very weak; this one-point example is suitable only non-vulnerable under an aggressive partnership agreement.
- The goal is obstruction, not game invitation.
Game-forcing raise
- After partner opens 1 and RHO doubles, start with Jordan 2NT and raise a 3 signoff to game.
- With 13 HCP and four trumps, this hand is too strong to stop below game.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that 2NT is artificial, not natural.
- Using Jordan without agreed support length.
- Playing the jump raise as invitational when Jordan already shows that hand type.
- Failing to decide whether opener's new suits are natural, help-suit tries, or short-suit tries.
FAQ
When does Jordan 2NT apply?
It applies after partner opens a major and the next opponent doubles, if the partnership has agreed to play it.
What does the jump raise mean when Jordan is on?
Many pairs play the jump raise as weak and preemptive because 2NT handles limit-raise or better hands.
Does Jordan 2NT apply after minor-suit openings?
By agreement. Many pairs use it only after major openings and keep 2NT natural over a doubled minor, while others extend it as a limit raise or better of the minor, often requiring five-card support.
Is Jordan 2NT the same as Jacoby 2NT?
No. Jacoby 2NT is a game-forcing raise in an uncontested auction. Jordan 2NT applies only after a takeout double and starts at limit-raise strength.