2NT (20–21)

Opening 2NT shows a balanced hand of about 20–21 points: too strong to open 1NT, but not quite worth forcing to game single-handed. Knowing the range within a point or two, responder can pass, invite, or drive to game or slam. With 5 or more high-card points responder bids game, using Stayman (or Puppet Stayman) or a transfer first when a major fit may exist; with fewer, responder passes, or transfers into a five-card major and passes. Transfers apply as they do over 1NT, and 3♣ is Puppet Stayman, which also finds a five-card major (plain Stayman when Puppet Stayman is switched off).