Scrambling 2NT

The Scrambling 2NT bid is used after partner makes a takeout double at the two level, and you hold two four card suits.

Example:

1	Pass	2	Dbl
Pass	?

You hold: Kxx Qxxx Jxxx xx.

If you bid hearts, you could wind up in a 4-3 fit (and the same with bidding diamonds). Why guess? If you bid 2NT as a scramble, partner can bid his four card suits up the line.

With xx Kxxx AKx QJxx, partner bids 3 over which you bid 3 to deny holding four clubs and then partner bids 3 to show that suit.

Why play this convention?

• First, you and your partner may make more aggressive doubles knowing that you can find your 4-4 fits safely.
• Second, if partner does not go through Scrambling 2NT, then the doubler will know that the suit is a five card or longer suit.
• Third, what else is 2NT supposed to mean? Natural? Why not just pass their doubled bid then?