[miamijd]

It depends what 2NT means.

If 2NT is natural, then it has to show a good hand, because advancer shows only 7+ or so. You can't bid 2NT with a 10-count; you'll be overboard if partner passes with a minimum. I would think 15-16 is about right; maybe a bad 17. In that case, I would not have bid 3C as advancer; I would have bid 3NT. Advancer has a much better hand than a minimum. The As will help stop that suit; the KT9x D ought to be worth more than 3 HCP; the clubs could be a source of tricks; and Tx could solidify partner's 5-card H holding. Having failed to bid 3NT over 2NT, I would do so now.

But I honestly think 2NT here should be extended good-bad. How is overcaller supposed to distinguish

xx AKxxxx QJxx x

from

xx AKxxx AQxx Kxx?

Both of these hands overcall 2H over 1S. If your answer is that the second one cue-bids 3S or bids 4D after the actual continuation of the auction, remember that advancer could have a bad 7-count.

The better way is to have a direct 3m bid show the invite hand, and a 2NT relay to 3C show either a minimum 2H overcall (most common) or else some sort of two-suited moose that wasn't suitable for a double or a Michaels bid (rare).

If 2NT is a relay to 3C, then partner is showing a minimum overcall with a diamond fit. He just wants to play 3D, so you should pass.

Cheers,
Mike

[marklaf]

If 2nt is natural and invitational--then bid 3nt or pass as you like. If 2nt is a scramble then bid 3 heats--partner should have 5 good hearts or 6 hearts and 3 diamonds. Without discussion I would take 2nt as natural and pass--bidding 3 clubs is very bad. If partner has clubs no trump will play well.