The Truscott 2NT is a bid of 2NT after your partner opens the bidding with one of a suit (major or minor) and the next player makes a takeout double.
It shows a good raise to the three-level or better,
say 10+ hcp and
Using this convention means that any immediate raise to the three level or higher
over an opponent's takeout double is pre-emptive.
Opener will know not to expect much from you in the way of high cards.
A raise to the two-level is also primarily competitive.
You would redouble and then raise later with strong
Opener rebids his suit at the three-level with a minimum hand. Any other bid shows extra strength, following the partnership's usual methods.
If opener rebids his suit at the three-level, showing a minimum opening, responder should pass with a minimum 10-12 hcp. With a stronger hand, responder will raise to game. With a very strong hand, responder can make some other bid, showing slam interest.
The Truscott 2NT convention is very widely played. Most players at the Gravesend Bridge Club use it and will recognise it if you use it, even if not explicitly agreed in advance. The name, "Truscott 2NT", is not so widely known, however. Perhaps this is due to its also having the name "Jordan 2NT". I usually hear a partnership agreeing to use the convention by describing it rather than naming it. When one player suggests it, the other usually says "Oh yes! I use that convention, too."
And that is how it should be. After all, the convention is described (though not named) in that famous reference book "Basic Acol", in Table 41 item 5.
This is one of those great conventions that give you something for nothing. There is no loss in reassigning the bid of 2NT after an opponent's takeout double. A bid of 2NT can hardly be natural, since you would prefer to redouble with a balanced 10+ hcp, keeping open your chances of collecting a nice penalty score. If your side cannot profitably double the opposition, you can always rebid 2NT on a later round, which shows the balanced 10-12 hcp hand.
Agree the following with your partner:
That describes the Truscott 2NT.
The convention was invented by Alan Truscott in 1954, according to the "Official Encyclopedia of Bridge". It is also widely known as the Jordan 2NT, however, since it was apparently popularised by Robert Jordan.
Some pairs play it only over major suit openings, or play it differently after a minor suit opening. You should assume, though, unless explicitly agreed otherwise, that your partnership will play it as described over all opening bids.
Author: Chris Burton
Gravesend Bridge Club