Question: I play Jordan 2nt with 4 and X then bid p’s suit with 3; but my partner says I only needed 3 to bid Jordan – is it a partnership agreement of 3 or 4 to use Jordan?

Answer:  The Jordan Convention is designed to be a four-card limit raise or better after a takeout double.  When Partner opens 1 of a major, the 2NT bid shows a four-card raise.  When partner opens a minor, the 2NT bid shows a 5-card raise.

1♥ or 1♠ (DBL) 2NT             = 4-Card Raise

1♣ or 1♦ (DBL) 2NT             = 5-Card Raise

With fewer cards in Partner’s opening suit, Responder would start with a REDBL (with 10+ points) and then give a delay raise to show support.  When a minor is the opening bid, the Responder’s focus should be on showing points and stoppers with a goal of bidding 3NT if possible.

1♥        (DBL)    REDBL    Pass
2♦        Pass     2♥           = 3-Card Raise

Remember, a delayed raise usually shows one less card than the direct raise.  Jordan 2NT shows a 4-card raise and a REDBL, then raise shows a 3-card raise.