Virgin Islands Jump Bid is a strategic bidding technique used in the game of contract bridge. In this bidding system, the bid of two no trump (2NT) is used as an artificial bid to show a specific type of hand pattern. The bid conveys information to the partner about the number of cards held in each major suit, specifically indicating a five-card suit in one of the major suits (hearts or spades) and a four-card suit in the other major suit. The term "Virgin Islands" in the bid's name may refer to the idea that this bid introduces a previously unexplored territory, providing the partners with a unique opportunity to better communicate their hand strengths and distributions. There are two main types of Virgin Islands Jump Bid: 1. 2NT Virgin Islands Jump Bid: This bid is used by the opener, who jumps to the 2NT level in response to their partner's one-of-a-major suit opening bid. The bid indicates a hand with a five-card suit in one major suit and a four-card suit in the other major suit. For instance, if the opener holds five hearts and four spades, they would make a 2NT Virgin Islands Jump Bid. 2. 2NT Virgin Islands Jacoby Transfer: This bid is made by the responder after their partner's one-of-a-major suit opening bid. The responder jumps to 2NT, indicating a hand with five cards in the other major suit and four cards in their first bid suit. For example, if the responder holds five spades and four hearts, they would make a 2NT Virgin Islands Jacoby Transfer bid. The Virgin Islands Jump Bid is a useful tool for bridge players to accurately communicate their hand patterns and increase the partnership's chances of finding the best contract. It helps in determining the optimal suit fit and assists in reaching the best game or slam contract. It is important for players to have a clear understanding of these bids to utilize them effectively during the bidding process and maximize their chances of success.