[arepo24]

1. If Opponent opens 1H and I have 20 evenly distributed points:
a) do I jump to 2NT?
b.or is it better to bid Double?

2. If opponent bids 1H and I have 5 and 5 in the minor suits and 12 points can I jump to 2NT to show unusual NT or will my partner think I have 20 points and an evenly distributed hand?

Thank you for any help

[Cyberyeti]

If RHO opens 1 of a suit, normally 2N is unusual with the minors, so you double and rebid NT. If LHO opens 1 and it goes P-P to you then most people play 2N as something like 18-20 balanced.

[AL78]

1. To show a very strong balanced hand after an opponent has opened, the standard method is to double then bid NT. The fact you didn't overcall 1NT means you must be above the HCP range (about 15-18).

2. Some people play a direct 2NT overcall of a major as at least 5/5 in the minors. As to the strength, you have to agree with partner whether you do it on any strength, or is it weak or strong, not intermediate, or is it something like 8-15HCP. If a 1M opening comes round to you in fourth seat, 2NT is usually played as 18-20HCP balanced, the reason being a protective 1NT overcall is 11-14 HCP, so you need an extra bid to show all the balanced HCP ranges.