2 Level Responses to Opening Bid

Bidding at the 2 level (that is not a jump bid) promises 10+ high card points. Distribution points can not be counted because there is no fit yet. 

If you have 5-9 points and a long minor (6 or more in length) bid 1NT first.  This limits your points and you can bid your long weak minor after partner's rebid.  Partner know because of your initial 1NT response that your are weak.

Bidding 2 of a major over 1 of a minor promises 5-9 points and a 6 card suit.  Long and weak.  This is a jump bid.  Partner can Pass this bid - it is non-forcing.

Bid 2 of a suit when you have a 5 card suit or you don't have an stopper's in an unbid major, or you are unbalanced.

Bidding 2H over 1S always promises a 5 card suit and 10+ high card points.

Bidding 2NT over 1 of a major denies a fit with partner.  If partner opens a minor it does not deny a fit because it is better to play in no trumps  than 5 of a minor.

Partner opens 1 diamond:                        Bid

♠ 3 4    ♥ A Q J 4      ♦ J 6 3    ♣ A J 6 3     2C

♠ 8 5 3  ♥ 9 8          ♦ K 9 8    ♣ K 8 5 3 2   1NT

♠ 5 2    ♥ K Q J 8 5 2  ♦ 9 8      ♣ 7 5         2H

♠ A J 5  ♥ Q J 2        ♦ K 6 4 2  ♣ 9 8 5       2NT


Partner opens 1 spade:                          Bid

♠ 3 4    ♥ A Q J 4      ♦ J 6 3    ♣ A J 6 3     2C

♠ 8 5 3  ♥ 9 8          ♦ K 9 8    ♣ K 8 5 3 2   1NT

♠ 5 2    ♥ K Q J 8 5 2  ♦ 9 8      ♣ A 5         2H

♠ J 9 5  ♥ Q J 2        ♦ K 6 4 2  ♣ A 8 5       2NT